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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to promote the famous Akwete cloth as a symbol of the Igbo cultural heritage.
Mrs Tinubu, who made the appeal on Tuesday, during a visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, accompanied by Governor Alex Otti and other dignitaries.
She described Akwete cloth as a treasured cultural asset passed down through generations and urged Nigerians to preserve and promote the indigenous fabric.
She said, “Culture and tradition tell anyone where you are coming from. I love the culture and tradition that have sustained this craft over the years. If you lose your culture and tradition, you have lost your identity.
“For me, and for all the notable sons of Igboland, it is not only Abia State but all the Igbo-speaking states that should rise to preserve those things that define their identity.”
Impressed by the craftsmanship displayed at the weaving centre, Mrs Tinubu announced a N2 billion donation to support the empowerment of women involved in Akwete cloth production
“On my own, I am donating N2 billion to this project. I believe it will help strengthen the work of these women and preserve this unique heritage,” she said.
Speaking at a reception held in her honour at the Township School, Akwete, the First Lady advocated modernising the use of Akwete fabric by incorporating it into contemporary fashion.
She recalled that her interest in the fabric began after watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
“When I first heard about Akwete, I thought it was made in Ghana. Since then, I have wanted to visit this community. I love traditional attire, and I will proudly wear Akwete-made buba and wrapper during my outings,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also thanked Governor Otti for what she described as the warm reception accorded her.
“This was meant to be a quiet visit to meet the Akwete women, but the entire state came out to welcome me. I am truly humbled,” she added.
Earlier, Governor Otti thanked the First Lady for identifying with the Akwete women and supporting efforts to revive the local textile industry.
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He said his administration had prioritised the development of the Akwete weaving industry since assuming office in 2023, adding that the state government was committed to removing obstacles hindering its growth.
“It is very strategic that you made this visit at this time. We have always believed that Akwete has enormous economic potential, and we are determined to unlock it,” the governor said.
Otti also praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing key economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
“It took courage to remove the petroleum subsidy and liberalise the foreign exchange market. Those decisions have freed resources that are now being channelled into development at the federal, state, and local government levels,” he said.
The governor pledged that his administration would collaborate with the First Lady to establish a modern production hub for Akwete weavers.
In her welcome address, the wife of the governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, described Akwete cloth as one of the oldest and most distinguished textile traditions of the Igbo people, noting that it was elevated by the legendary 19th-century weaver, Daada Nwankata.
She described the visit as historic, saying it was the first time a Nigerian First Lady had visited the community specifically to support Akwete women.
“This is truly a historic moment. It reflects your genuine commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerian women through practical interventions,” she said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District; the member representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, Chris Nkwonta; former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Sampson Ogah; and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe.
The speakers commended the First Lady for promoting the Akwete textile industry and applauded Mrs Otti for drawing national attention to the women weavers. Nkwonta called for the establishment of a modern weaving centre to enhance production and market access, while praising Governor Otti’s performance in office.
“Governor Otti has redefined governance in Abia State. I belong to the APC, but my support in 2027 is for Governor Alex Otti because of what he has achieved,” he said.
Also speaking, Labour Party House of Representatives candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr Chima Desmond Anyaso, commended both the First Lady and the governor’s wife for supporting women without regard to political affiliation.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the traditional title “Ugo Nwanyi of Abia” (The Pride of Womanhood) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment and national development.
The ceremony attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, business leaders, and other stakeholders from across Abia State
