The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N2 billion to the Abia State Government to support the development and promotion of the renowned Akwete fabric, a centuries-old handwoven textile indigenous to the Akwete community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state.

Senator Tinubu announced the donation on Tuesday during a visit to Akwete community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she celebrated the centuries-old weaving tradition for which the community is renowned.

The donation, made to the Akwete Cooperative Society, is expected to enhance the development of the Akwete production centre, create employment opportunities, preserve the indigenous craft and improve its competitiveness in both local and international markets.

Addressing a gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, artisans, political leaders and members of the Akwete Cooperative Society, the First Lady described Akwete weaving as a sacred cultural heritage that must be protected and passed on to future generations.

She recalled that her interest in the fabric was sparked after watching a documentary showcasing the history and uniqueness of Akwete weaving.

“I knew very little about Akwete before now. Whenever I heard Akwete, I thought it referred to Kente from Ghana. But after watching the documentary and receiving detailed information from the Wife of the Governor, I discovered the richness and uniqueness of this fabric,” she said.

The First Lady praised the craftsmanship of Akwete women, noting that the fabric, woven on traditional vertical looms using cotton, raffia and silk, remains one of Nigeria’s finest indigenous textiles.

“I am in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for. I love traditional outfits because our tradition and culture tell us who we are. The moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from,” she said.

She urged younger generations to embrace African culture by wearing traditional attire with pride, stressing that indigenous crafts remain an important part of Nigeria’s identity.

Describing Akwete weaving as a craft handed down through generations with patience, dedication and endurance, Senator Tinubu called on notable sons and daughters of the South-East to support efforts aimed at preserving the tradition.

“I heard your cry. It is time to take Akwete fabric to the national stage. Therefore, all the notable sons and daughters of Igbo land should rise up to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating ₦2 billion for the project,” she declared.

The First Lady further assured women interested in learning the weaving craft that opportunities would be provided for skills acquisition.

She also promised Governor Alex Otti that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in the 2027 presidential election, she would proudly wear an Akwete wrapper and blouse for the inauguration ceremony.

Earlier, the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, described the visit as historic, noting that it marked the first time the wife of a Nigerian President had visited Akwete specifically to support its women weavers.

She commended Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for consistently empowering women, youths and vulnerable groups across the country.

Governor Alex Otti thanked the First Lady for the intervention, describing the ₦2 billion donation as a major boost for the state’s efforts to reposition the Akwete textile industry.

He disclosed that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has actively engaged with the Akwete weaving community to unlock the industry’s enormous economic potential by removing production bottlenecks, embracing technology, and creating opportunities for artisans.

Governor Otti also stressed that governance should rise above partisan politics, saying every initiative capable of improving citizens’ lives deserves collective support.

He equally commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing key economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

Also speaking, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, described the First Lady’s visit as a historic moment for Ndoki people, attributing it to the good governance being witnessed in Abia State.

Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the women behind Akwete weaving as the bedrock of the community and pledged support towards the establishment of a modern weaving centre.

Similarly, the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, pledged to work towards establishing a modern weaving centre to increase production and attract international patronage.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, expressed appreciation to the First Lady, saying the intervention would transform many women into successful entrepreneurs and wealth creators.

The Abia APC Women Leader, Lady Chino Cecilia Erondu, hailed the First Lady’s intervention as a significant milestone for women’s empowerment and commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for promoting unity within the Abia APC.

She urged party members to remain united and focused on the party’s collective goals.

Also, the Abia Central Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Women Network, Mrs. Onyekachi Atuloma Loveday, applauded Senator Tinubu for supporting the Akwete industry and commended Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for enhancing Abia’s national visibility through his leadership.

The event reached its climax when the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers conferred the prestigious traditional title of “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” (Pride of Abia Women) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her generosity, compassion and contributions to the advancement of Nigerian women.

The colourful ceremony attracted top government officials, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, women groups, artisans and cultural enthusiasts, all united in celebrating one of Nigeria’s oldest and most treasured indigenous textile traditions.