The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has given N2 billion to the Abia State Government. This money will help develop Akwete fabric, which is a special hand-woven textile from the Akwete community in Abia.
She made this donation on Tuesday during her visit to Abia. She was there to celebrate and promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
The First Lady said this donation aims to develop the Akwete production site. The goal is to create more jobs and help the state’s economy grow.
She also mentioned that the money would support the Abia State Government’s work to preserve this craft that has lasted for centuries. She wants to ensure that future generations can continue the tradition.
Mrs Tinubu praised the uniqueness of Akwete fabric. It is made by women in Abia using cotton, raffia, and silk on vertical looms. The fabric is known for its bright colours and beautiful geometric patterns.
“I am in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for.
“I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture, tells us who we are. The moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from.
“The craft was transferred from generation to generation. It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, and endurance.
“The tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, and they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation,” she said.
She urged young people to embrace their culture, especially traditional clothing that connects them with the older generation.
According to her, everyone should be proud of their cultural heritage and wear traditional African clothes with pride.
“We should not let our children forget that.
“To the women of Akwete, I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo people that it is time to take Akwete fabric to the national stage.
“Therefore, all the notable sons and daughters of Igbo land should rise to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating N2 billion for the project,” the First Lady said.
She promised Governor Alex Otti that if President Bola Tinubu wins the 2027 presidential election for a second term, she would wear a wrapper and “buba” made from Akwete fabric for the inauguration.
In response, Mr Otti and his wife, Priscilla, thanked the First Lady for her generous donation. They said it would greatly change Akwete fabric production in the state.
He called the visit to the state timely and important for preserving this local craft.
Mr Otti noted that the Abia State Government has been working with the Akwete weaving community since 2023 to improve the industry’s economic value.
The governor said the state government is working to remove barriers that limit the growth of this craft. They are also embracing technology to boost production and competitiveness in the global market.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
The senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the women who weave the fabric as the backbone of the community.
“Today we celebrate the ingenuity of the women in this area, and I would like to be part of the construction of the weaving centre,” Mr Abaribe said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Abia Council of Traditional Rulers gave the first lady the traditional title of “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” (the Pride of Abia Women). This was in recognition of her “generosity, care and motherly roles to all Nigerian women.”
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