The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated a digital library at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, urging youths to dream big and work hard towards achieving their aspirations.
The digital library was built by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi in her honour.
The centre was digitalised by the National Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
Mrs Tinubu noted that the centre marks a major milestone in her desire to inspire future generations.
“The Ooni wanted young girls to come here to learn a bit of how I got here. That is interesting. I have always dreamt of being a teacher and I actually achieved that dream. But I did not just stop, I kept on dreaming and here I am today.
“I dreamt about the type of wife I wanted to be, the kind of mother I wanted to be and I didn’t stop there, I ensured that I allowed God to help me on,” she said.
The First Lady expressed the optimism that the centre will be a modern day hatchery for young talents.
Facilities at the center include a mentorship room, a library, digital museum, a dream room, innovation hub, a studio and a technology garden.
“These sections come together as one, reflecting the power of dream, imagination and inspiration as a force for change and personal growth. I call on the youth to visit the centre, build their dreams and pursue it without being overly ambitious,” the First Lady stated.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi noted that he and the many others that worked on setting up the centre, were all guided by the inspiring legacy of the First Lady.
“The mother of the nation has done so much for humanity over two decades. I cannot celebrate her enough. What was once built as a pavilion for students has now been upgraded to serve a higher purpose, a dream center, an innovative space where Nigerian youth can dare to dream,” he said.
Also, the First Lady who was in the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2025 for the school’s postgraduate convocation ceremony, had promised to help with shuttle buses to enhance campus transportation and promote students welfare, seized the opportunity to redeem her promise with the handing over of 50 shuttle buses and 40 tricycles to the management of the institution.
“This intervention is sequel to the donation of one billion naira support, which she gave to her alma mater in October 2024.”