First Lady Donates N2bn to Revive Akwete Weaving, Boost Abia Economy

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N2 billion to the Abia State Government to support the development and promotion of Akwete fabric, the renowned hand-woven textile indigenous to Akwete town in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs Tinubu announced the donation on Tuesday during her visit to Abia, where she joined residents and stakeholders in celebrating the state’s rich Akwete weaving heritage.

She said the intervention was designed to support the development of the Akwete production site, create employment opportunities, strengthen the local economy and preserve the centuries-old craft for future generations.

The First Lady described Akwete fabric as a distinctive symbol of Nigerian cultural heritage, praising the skill and dedication of the women who have sustained the tradition across generations.

Akwete textiles are traditionally produced on vertical looms using materials including cotton, raffia and silk, and are widely recognised for their vibrant colours and intricate geometric patterns.

Mrs Tinubu said the cultural significance of Akwete extended beyond its value as a textile, describing the craft as an important link between generations and a representation of the identity and heritage of the people.

“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.

The First Lady also called on younger Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and take pride in traditional African clothing, stressing the importance of ensuring that younger generations remain connected to the traditions of their forebears.

She said the time had come to take Akwete fabric beyond its traditional market and place it prominently on the national stage.

“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 up to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating N2 billion for the project,” Mrs Tinubu said.

She also promised the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, that if President Bola Tinubu wins a second term in the 2027 presidential election, she would wear a wrapper and buba made from Akwete fabric at the inauguration ceremony.

The gesture comes amid growing efforts to preserve indigenous Nigerian crafts while turning them into viable sources of employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Receiving the First Lady, Governor Otti and his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, expressed appreciation for the donation, saying it would significantly transform Akwete fabric production and help reposition the craft for greater economic value.

Otti described the visit as timely and important to the preservation of the indigenous weaving tradition, noting that his administration had been engaging with the Akwete weaving community since 2023 as part of efforts to revive and modernise the industry.

The governor said the state government was working to remove the barriers limiting the growth of the craft while embracing technology to improve production capacity and make Akwete more competitive in domestic and international markets.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for its economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, also praised the women behind the Akwete weaving tradition, describing them as the backbone of the craft and 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,” Abaribe said.

The First Lady's visit also featured recognition from traditional rulers in the state, with the Abia Council of Traditional Rulers conferring on her the title “Ugo Nwanyi Abia,” meaning “The Pride of Abia Women,” in recognition of what it described as her generosity, care and motherly role to Nigerian women.

The N2 billion intervention is expected to provide fresh momentum for efforts to preserve Akwete weaving, expand production and create new economic opportunities around the historic craft.

Beyond the immediate development of the production site, the initiative could also help strengthen the value chain around Akwete textiles, from raw-material sourcing and weaving to design, marketing and distribution, while giving the traditional craft greater visibility in Nigeria's fashion and creative economy.