Tinubu’s Wife Announces ₦2 Billion Boost for Akwete Weaving as Otti Seeks Global Renaissance for Abia’s Heritage Textile

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a ₦2 billion intervention to support the establishment of a modern Akwete Weaving and Research Centre in Abia State, describing the centuries-old indigenous fabric as a priceless cultural heritage that deserves national and global recognition.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during her official civic engagement with members of the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area, where she toured the cooperative, interacted with women weavers, and watched demonstrations of the traditional hand-weaving process.

Speaking at the event held at Township School, Akwete, the First Lady said the proposed centre would serve as both a production hub and a research institution to preserve the rich weaving tradition while embracing modern technology to expand its economic potential.

She urged Nigerians to embrace locally made fabrics, insisting that Akwete cloth deserves the same national acceptance enjoyed by Yoruba textiles such as Aso Oke and Adire.

“The Igbos should take Akwete to the nation. We all wear tie and dye from Yoruba land. We wear Aso Oke. Why not Akwete? It is a beautiful fabric,” she said.

Announcing the donation, Mrs. Tinubu added:

“I have told the Governor that I am donating ₦2 billion to this project. I believe the funds will be put to good use.”

The First Lady revealed that her interest in Akwete weaving began after watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She admitted she initially thought the fabric originated from Ghana before discovering it was produced in Abia State, a discovery that inspired her visit to the community.

She commended the craftsmanship of the women and encouraged them to preserve the authenticity of the fabric while exploring modern applications beyond traditional wrappers, including fashion, home décor, and other commercial products.

Otti: We Have Been Reviving Akwete Since 2023

Welcoming the First Lady, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, disclosed that the visit was initiated by Senator Tinubu herself after she developed a keen interest in the Akwete weaving tradition.

“The truth is that you invited yourself. This is your initiative, and you followed up with us to ensure that this visit happened. I want to thank you,” the Governor remarked.

Governor Otti explained that his administration has been working to revive the Akwete weaving industry since assuming office in 2023 by removing long-standing obstacles limiting its growth.

He warned that unless the industry embraces innovation and modern production methods, it could lose ground to machine-made imitations already being produced in countries such as India and China.

According to him, the Abia State Government has already developed a comprehensive roadmap for the industry and is proposing a partnership with the First Lady to establish a world-class production hub for the women of Akwete.

“We want to build a production hub for the Akwete women. We have been engaging with the community since 2023 because we believe there is enormous potential in Akwete weaving,” he said.

Governor Otti also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, stating that the policies have increased revenues available to all tiers of government for infrastructure and development despite temporary economic hardships.

Priscilla Otti Hails Historic Visit

Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the First Lady’s visit as a historic milestone for Abia State.

She applauded Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for its numerous interventions in women empowerment, support for small businesses, care for vulnerable groups, food security, and social development across Nigeria.

Mrs. Otti said Akwete fabric remains one of the oldest and most prestigious textile traditions of the Igbo people and noted that the First Lady’s decision to spotlight the craft would create lasting economic opportunities for women in the community.

She pledged the state’s continued collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative to preserve the heritage and improve the livelihoods of Akwete women.

Stakeholders Call for Global Recognition

Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, stressed that empowering women remains central to national development. He expressed confidence that the First Lady’s intervention would elevate Akwete fabric onto the global stage while creating new economic opportunities for the community.

He also commended both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti for what he described as purposeful leadership, noting that Abia is witnessing remarkable infrastructural development.

Similarly, the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, described the visit as a defining moment in the history of Akwete and Abia State.

He said the presidential visit has drawn national attention to the ancient weaving tradition and renewed hope for its preservation and commercial expansion.

Nkwonta advocated the establishment of a modern weaving and research centre and warned that without deliberate efforts to train younger generations, the centuries-old craft could gradually disappear.

The lawmaker also commended Governor Otti’s developmental strides across the state and pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the proposed Akwete Weaving and Research Centre.

The high point of the event was the conferment of the traditional title “Ugonwanyi” on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of her support for the preservation and promotion of the Akwete weaving heritage.