Sen Oluremi Tinubu Donates ₦2 Billion to Boost Akwete Fabric Production, As Abia Monarchs Confer Her “Ugo Nwanyi” Title
The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), has donated ₦2 billion to the Akwete Cooperative Society in Abia State to promote, preserve and expand the production of the renowned Akwete fabric, describing the centuries-old weaving tradition as a sacred cultural heritage that must be protected for future generations.
Senator Tinubu made the donation during her visit to the historic Akwete community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she was warmly received by Governor Alex Otti, his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, traditional rulers, political leaders, artisans and members of the Akwete Cooperative Society.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady described her visit as divinely ordained, recalling that her interest in Akwete weaving began after watching a documentary on the craft.
“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.
She stressed that preserving indigenous culture remains essential to maintaining the identity of future generations.
“The moment we lose our heritage, we won’t remember where we come from. We must teach our children to appreciate African fabrics and our cultural heritage”.
The President’s wife, who said she regularly wears traditional Nigerian attire, described Akwete fabric as unique because of its soft texture and exceptional quality.
She added that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in office, she would proudly wear Akwete fabric as part of her wardrobe.
According to her, Akwete weaving is a sacred craft handed down from one generation to another, requiring patience, endurance, dedication and love, urging the people to preserve its authenticity while modernising it for greater national and international acceptance.
Senator Tinubu also assured women, including members of the APC, that anyone interested in learning the Akwete weaving craft would be given the opportunity to acquire the skill.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time the Wife of a Nigerian President had visited Akwete to directly support its women weavers.
She commended Senator Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programmes targeted at women, youths and vulnerable groups across the country, adding that the intervention reflected genuine commitment rather than mere publicity.
In his speech, the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti said his administration remains committed to unlocking the enormous economic potential of the Akwete textile industry.
He described Akwete fabric as one of the finest indigenous textiles in Nigeria, noting that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has consistently promoted the fabric by embracing technology, removing production bottlenecks and creating opportunities for artisans.
Governor Otti added that governance should transcend political affiliations, stressing that every intervention capable of improving the lives of citizens deserves collective support.
Also, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, attributed the First Lady’s visit to the good governance being witnessed in Abia State.
He described the visit as historic for the people of Ndoki, saying it was the first time the Wife of a Nigerian President had visited the area.
Ogah assured Senator Tinubu of the continued support of the people while urging her to sustain programmes that directly impact women, whom he described as the foundation of every progressive society.
Similarly, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, applauded the initiative, describing the promotion of Akwete fabric as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and local economy.
He said the intervention would not only preserve an age-long tradition but also create employment opportunities, empower women and position Akwete fabric for greater recognition in both local and international markets.
Member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, noted that Akwete weaving has existed for generations but requires deliberate efforts to scale production and improve global visibility.
He pledged to work towards the establishment of a modern weaving centre that would support increased production and attract international patronage.
In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, appreciated Senator Tinubu for identifying with the Akwete women, expressing optimism that the intervention would transform many of them into successful entrepreneurs and wealth creators.
Meanwhile, the Abia State APC Women Leader, Lady Chino Cecila Erondu, described the programme as highly successful and thanked the First Lady for choosing Abia for what she described as her first official visit to the state.
She also commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for fostering unity within the Abia APC.
According to her, Kalu’s inclusive leadership has strengthened the party and prevented internal divisions.
“The unity we enjoy today in APC is because of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. He carries everyone along and does not lead alone. If not for him, we would have had factions in the party. Today, APC in Abia is progressing because of his wisdom and leadership”, she said.
Erondu welcomed the First Lady’s assurance that interested APC women would be given opportunities to learn Akwete weaving, describing the ₦2 billion donation as a major boost for the industry and women’s economic empowerment.
She urged APC women across the state to remain united and focused, insisting that distractions from political comments should not derail the party’s vision.
“We have a goal to achieve. Let us continue to work together, remain steadfast and support one another. Together, we will succeed”, she said.
Also, the Abia Central Coordinator of Renewed Hope Women Network, Mrs. Onyekachi Atuloma Loveday, Commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for Boosting Akwete Fabric Production, Says Reps Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu Has Elevated Abia’s National Visibility Through His Leadership
High point of the event was the conferment of the “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” title on the wife of the president, with several, prominent government officials, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, artisans and women groups from across Abia State, all united in celebrating the preservation and promotion of one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous textile traditions in attendance.
