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.
Mrs. Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village, where she interacted with members of the cooperative and praised them for preserving one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous textile traditions.
Describing Akwete cloth as a soft, breathable cotton fabric renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, the First Lady said she would proudly wear a buba and wrapper made from the fabric if President Tinubu secures a second term in office.
She commended the younger generation of weavers for keeping the centuries-old craft alive, noting that the tradition has endured through families who have passed the skills from one generation to another.
To boost 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 made fabrics, emphasizing that increased patronage would help preserve the country’s cultural heritage while creating more economic opportunities for rural communities.
The First Lady explained that she deliberately chose not to prepare a formal speech for the visit because she wanted to engage directly with the women behind the famous weaving tradition and hear their experiences firsthand.
Mrs. Tinubu also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his support of the initiative, describing him as “a good man.” She recalled previously contacting 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 need to promote locally manufactured products, stressing that greater support for indigenous industries would not only preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but also drive sustainable economic development across the country.
Tags: Oluremi Tinubu, Akwete fabric, Akwete Weaving Cooperative, Abia State, Bola Tinubu, Alex Otti, Nigerian First Lady, Indigenous textiles, Local artisans, Made in Nigeria, Textile industry, Cultural heritage, ₦2 billion grant, Nigerian fashion, Economic development
Stay ahead with real-time reports, breaking news, and exclusive insights delivered directly to your phone. Don’t settle for outdated information. Join PLATEAUREPORTS NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates.
Join Our Whatsapp Channel
News2 days ago
