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“I Am Here to Announce to All Nigerians, the Igbos Should Take Akwete to the Nation” — First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu Says, Announces ₦2bn Boost for Akwete Weaving Centre, Pledges to Preserve Abia’s Cultural Heritage
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has announced a ₦2 billion intervention to support the establishment of a modern weaving and research centre for the renowned Akwete fabric in Abia State, in a landmark initiative aimed at preserving one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous textile traditions while expanding its economic and global appeal.
Senator Tinubu made the announcement on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during an official civic engagement with members of the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
The First Lady interacted with women weavers, inspected the cooperative’s facilities and watched demonstrations of the centuries-old hand-weaving process that has made Akwete fabric one of the most celebrated traditional textiles in Nigeria.
Speaking at Township School, Akwete, Senator Tinubu said the proposed weaving and research centre would serve as both a production hub and a training institution for future generations of weavers while modernising the industry without compromising its rich cultural identity.
Describing Akwete fabric as a national heritage that deserves wider recognition, she urged Nigerians to embrace indigenous textiles and promote locally made fabrics across the country.
“I am here to announce to all Nigerians, that the Igbos should take Akwete to the nation. We all wear tie and dye from Yoruba land. We wear Aso Oke. Why not us wearing Akwete? It’s a beautiful fabric.
“On my own, I told the governor, I’m donating ₦2 billion to the project. I don’t know how you want to use it. The funds are easy for me to give to you, and I believe that that fund would be in good hands,” she said.
The First Lady explained that her visit to Akwete was inspired by a documentary she watched on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she first discovered the remarkable craftsmanship of the women weavers.
She disclosed that she had initially mistaken the fabric for one produced in Ghana before learning that it originated from Abia State, a discovery that inspired her determination to visit the community personally.
Senator Tinubu praised the unique texture and cultural significance of Akwete cloth, saying it deserved greater national and international recognition. She also encouraged the women to preserve the authenticity of the craft while adapting it to modern fashion trends, noting that Akwete fabric could be transformed into a variety of products beyond traditional wrappers.
Welcoming the First Lady, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, disclosed that the visit was entirely her initiative after she became fascinated by 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,” Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti stated that his administration has been committed to reviving the Akwete weaving industry since assuming office in 2023 by dismantling long-standing barriers that had limited its growth.
He warned that without embracing technology and innovation, the indigenous textile industry could lose market share to machine-produced imitations already being manufactured in countries such as India and China.
The governor revealed that the Abia State Government had already developed a comprehensive plan for the industry and proposed a partnership with the First Lady to establish a world-class production hub for the women.
“We want to build a production hub, a hub for Akwete women in that cooperative society place.
“For us, we have also been engaging with Akwete as far back as 2023, after I was sworn in, and we believe just like you do, that there’s a lot that Akwete can do,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti also commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing what he described as bold but necessary economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. He noted that despite the temporary economic challenges, the reforms have increased resources available to the federal, state and local governments for infrastructure development and productive investments.
Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, described the First Lady’s maiden visit to Akwete as a historic milestone and applauded Senator Tinubu’s leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that its interventions in women’s empowerment, support for small businesses, care for the elderly, assistance to persons with disabilities, food security and other social investment programmes have positively impacted lives across Nigeria.
Mrs. Otti highlighted the cultural significance of Akwete fabric as one of the oldest and most distinguished textile traditions of the Igbo people, handwoven by women in Akwete.
She noted that the First Lady’s decision to spotlight the fabric reflects her commitment to creating lasting economic opportunities for ordinary Nigerian women and pledged the state’s continued partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative to preserve the weaving heritage and improve the livelihoods of Akwete women.
In a goodwill message, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah, stressed that empowering women remains vital to national development and expressed optimism that the visit would elevate the profile of Akwete cloth beyond Nigeria’s borders, positioning it as a globally recognised cultural symbol and an important source of economic growth for the community.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti for what he described as purposeful leadership, adding that Abia residents were witnessing unprecedented development under the Otti administration.
Also speaking, the member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Rep. Chris Nkwonta, described the occasion as a defining moment in the history of Akwete and Abia State.
He said the First Lady’s visit had brought national attention to the centuries-old handwoven fabric and renewed hope for its preservation and commercial expansion.
Nkwonta called for increased production, international promotion of the fabric and the establishment of a modern weaving and research centre to preserve the craft for future generations. He warned that without deliberate efforts to train younger women in the art of weaving, the tradition could gradually become extinct.
The lawmaker also commended Governor Otti for what he described as the remarkable infrastructural transformation of Abia State, saying the state had “never had it this good,” and pledged to work with the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, and other stakeholders to establish a befitting Akwete Weaving and Research Centre that would serve as a modern production hub.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Ugonwanyi” on Senator Oluremi Tinubu by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of her commitment to promoting women, preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and su
pporting the growth of the Akwete weaving industry.