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Oluremi Tinubu Pledges to Wear Akwete Fabric if Tinubu Wins Second Term, Announces ₦2bn Grant for Weavers

Published

4 months ago

July 22, 2026

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

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Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

Published

36 minutes ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.

"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said

The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.

Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.

Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

News

2027: We won't endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas

Published

40 minutes ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.

He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.

Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.

"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.

Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.

He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."

Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.

2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas