Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has explained that her decision to support the Akwete weaving industry with a N2 billion intervention was inspired by a documentary she watched on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), which highlighted the community’s centuries-old textile heritage.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Tuesday during a civic engagement with members of the Akwete Fabric Weaving Society at Township School, Akwete, Abia State, Mrs Tinubu announced a N2 billion donation for the establishment of a modern weaving and research centre aimed at revitalising the renowned indigenous fabric industry and boosting its global competitiveness.
She said the intervention would help preserve the cultural heritage of the Akwete fabric while expanding its visibility in local and international markets.
Recalling what motivated the initiative, the First Lady said she initially believed the fabric originated from Ghana until she watched the documentary showcasing its production in Akwete Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
“I initially thought the fabric was being produced in Ghana until I watched the documentary,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu commended the women of Akwete for preserving the unique weaving tradition across generations through resilience, dedication and hard work.
She also called on Nigerians and other stakeholders to support efforts to promote the Akwete fabric nationally and globally, describing it as a valuable part of the country’s cultural identity.
Responding, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, described the N2 billion intervention as timely and transformative, saying it would complement the state government’s efforts to revive the local weaving industry.
According to the governor, his administration has already developed a comprehensive growth strategy for the sector and is proposing a partnership with the First Lady to establish a world-class production hub for Akwete weavers.
Otti also expressed support for some of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, saying the policies had increased revenue accruing to the federal, state and local governments for infrastructure development.
The wife of the governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the visit as historic, praising the First Lady’s leadership of the Renewed Hope Initiative and its impact on women, small businesses, persons with disabilities and the elderly across the country.
She noted that the Akwete fabric, woven exclusively by women in the community, represents an important cultural asset, adding that Mrs Tinubu’s intervention demonstrates her commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for rural women.
Several dignitaries at the event, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District; the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta; and the immediate past Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, also commended the First Lady’s intervention.
They described the initiative as a significant boost for rural women and local enterprise, stressing that empowering women remains vital to community, state and national development.
Hon. Nkwonta said the visit marked a defining moment in the history of Akwete by bringing national attention to the community’s centuries-old handwoven textile industry.
In recognition of her support and contributions, the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by its Chairman, His Majesty Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, conferred on the First Lady the honorary chieftaincy title of “Ugonwanyi” (Eagle Woman).
