Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Igbo people across the country and in the diaspora to champion the promotion of Akwete cloth, describing the traditional fabric as a cultural treasure that deserves national and global recognition.
Mrs Tinubu made the appeal on Tuesday during a visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she announced a N2 billion intervention to empower women engaged in the centuries-old weaving business.
The First Lady, who toured the weaving centre alongside Governor Alex Otti and other government officials, expressed admiration for the craftsmanship of the women and pledged her commitment to preserving the cultural heritage represented by Akwete cloth.
She said the fabric should be embraced not only in Abia but across all Igbo communities as a symbol of identity and pride.
"Culture and tradition define who we are. I admire the culture and tradition that have sustained this craft for generations. Once a people lose their culture and tradition, they lose their identity.
"I want all sons and daughters of Igboland, whether at home or abroad, to promote Akwete cloth. It is not just for Abia; it belongs to the entire Igbo nation," she said.
Mrs Tinubu also encouraged the modern adaptation of the fabric, noting that indigenous textiles should be incorporated into contemporary fashion.
Recalling how she became interested in Akwete cloth, she said she first learnt about it while watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
"When I first heard the name Akwete, I thought it was a fabric from Ghana. Since then, I kept telling the wife of the governor that I wanted to visit this community. I love traditional attire, and I will proudly wear Akwete-made outfits during my public engagements," she said.
The First Lady announced a donation of N2 billion to support the women weavers, saying the intervention would help strengthen production and preserve the indigenous textile industry.
"I am donating N2 billion to support this project. I believe it will help empower the women and ensure that this great heritage continues to flourish," she added.
She also thanked Governor Otti and the people of Abia for the warm reception accorded her, noting that what was intended to be a private visit turned into a state-wide celebration.
Governor Otti, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for identifying with the Akwete women and supporting efforts to revive the indigenous textile industry.
He said the state government had been working to reposition the Akwete weaving industry since his administration came into office in 2023, stressing that the visit would further boost the profile of the fabric.
"We have always believed in the economic potential of Akwete cloth. This visit is timely and will help attract greater attention and investment to the industry," the governor said.
Otti also commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.
"It took courage to remove the fuel subsidy and float the naira. Those decisions have created more resources for development at all levels of government," he stated.
The governor assured the First Lady that his administration would work with her office to establish a modern production hub that would improve the capacity of Akwete women and expand market opportunities for their products.
Earlier, the wife of the governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, described Akwete cloth as one of the oldest indigenous textile traditions in Nigeria, woven exclusively by women of the Akwete community.
She noted that the First Lady's visit marked the first time a Nigerian First Lady had personally visited the community to support the women weavers.
"This visit is historic. It reflects your commitment to empowering women and preserving our cultural heritage through practical interventions," she said.
Several dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr Sampson Ogah, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, and the member representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, Chris Nkwonta, commended the First Lady for bringing national attention to the Akwete weaving industry.
Nkwonta called for the establishment of a modern weaving centre to expand production and improve the livelihoods of the women, while also praising Governor Otti's performance in office.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the traditional title "Ugo Nwanyi of Abia" (The Pride of Womanhood) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her contributions to women's empowerment and national development.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, business executives and stakeholders from across Abia State.
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