First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has pledged to wear Akwete fabric if President Bola Tinubu wins a second term in 2027, while announcing a ₦2 billion intervention to revive the centuries-old weaving industry in Abia State.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to wear Akwete fabric if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in office, as she unveiled a ₦2 billion support package aimed at revitalising the historic Akwete weaving industry in Abia State.
The First Lady made the remarks on Tuesday during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she met local women preserving one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous textile traditions.
First Lady Pledges to Promote Akwete Fabric
Speaking during the visit, Oluremi Tinubu praised the quality of the handwoven fabric and said she would personally promote it by wearing it if her husband is re-elected in 2027.
“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft, breathable cotton,” she said.
She described Akwete weaving as a valuable cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations and urged Nigerians to embrace locally produced fabrics as a way of preserving indigenous craftsmanship and supporting rural livelihoods.
₦2 Billion Intervention for Local Weavers
During the visit, the First Lady announced a ₦2 billion donation to support the development and revitalisation of the Akwete weaving industry.
According to her, the intervention is intended to improve production, preserve the centuries-old craft and create more economic opportunities for women and young people involved in textile production.
She commended members of the Akwete Weaving Cooperative for sustaining the tradition despite years of limited investment and declining patronage.
Commends Governor Alex Otti
Oluremi Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as “a good man.”
She recalled previously reaching out to the governor’s wife to learn more about the Akwete weaving tradition and expressed satisfaction that the visit eventually became possible.
The First Lady explained that she deliberately chose an informal engagement with the women rather than following a rigid official programme, saying her goal was to interact directly with the artisans and better understand their work.
Renewed Call to Patronise Nigerian Products
Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians to prioritise locally made textiles, saying greater patronage would help preserve Nigeria’s cultural identity while strengthening local industries.
She noted that supporting indigenous fabrics such as Akwete would create employment, improve incomes for rural families and encourage younger generations to continue traditional weaving practices.
Akwete fabric, produced primarily in Abia State, is one of Nigeria’s oldest traditional handwoven textiles and is recognised for its intricate designs and durable cotton material.
The First Lady’s visit forms part of her engagements under the Renewed Hope Initiative, which focuses on women’s empowerment, skills development and economic inclusion across Nigeria.