Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to wear Akwete fabric if President Bola Tinubu is re-elected for a second term, while announcing a ₦2 billion grant to support local artisans and revive the historic Akwete weaving industry in Abia State.
The First Lady made the remarks on Tuesday during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village, where she interacted with members of the cooperative and commended them for preserving one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous textile traditions.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Tinubu described Akwete cloth as a soft and breathable cotton fabric, expressing admiration for its quality and craftsmanship.
She said that if President Tinubu secures a second term in office, she would proudly wear a buba and wrapper made from Akwete fabric.
The First Lady also praised the younger generation of weavers for sustaining the centuries-old craft, noting that the tradition has continued to thrive through families who have passed the skills from one generation to another.
To support the growth of the industry, Mrs. Tinubu announced a ₦2 billion grant aimed at improving the livelihoods of local weavers, strengthening the cooperative and promoting indigenous textile production.
She urged Nigerians to embrace Akwete and other locally produced fabrics, stressing that increased patronage would help preserve the country’s cultural heritage while creating more economic opportunities for rural communities.
Mrs. Tinubu explained that she intentionally chose not to prepare a formal speech for the occasion because she wanted the visit to be an opportunity to personally interact with the women behind the famous weaving tradition and hear their experiences firsthand.
She also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his support, describing him as “a good man.” The First Lady recalled previously reaching out to the governor’s wife to learn more about the Akwete weaving heritage and expressed delight that the long-planned visit had finally taken place.
She reiterated the importance of promoting locally made products, saying greater support for indigenous industries would contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable economic development across the country.