Oluremi Tinubu Backs ‘Akwete’ Fabric, Says She’ll Wear It If Husband Is Re-Elected

 

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that she will wear a traditional ‘Akwete’ ‘buba’ and wrapper at the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu for his second term if he is re-elected in the 2027 general elections.

The ‘first lady’ made the declaration during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she also announced a ₦2 billion intervention to revive and promote the renowned indigenous textile industry.

Mrs. Tinubu described the Akwete fabric as a unique, soft and breathable cotton material worthy of national and global recognition, pledging to showcase it on one of the country’s biggest ceremonial occasions.

She also commended the women of the cooperative for preserving the centuries-old weaving tradition and praised the transfer of the craft from one generation to another, describing it as a rich cultural heritage that must be protected.

The ‘first lady’ urged Nigerians to embrace locally made Akwete fabric and other indigenous textiles as a way of promoting local industries, preserving cultural identity and creating sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans.

Senator Tinubu explained that her visit was intended as a personal engagement with the women rather than a formal ceremony, noting that she deliberately came without a prepared speech so she could interact freely with the weavers and appreciate their craftsmanship firsthand.

She commended Governor Alex Otti for his support for the Akwete weaving industry, describing him as “a very good man,” and recalled previously reaching out to his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to learn more about the famous weaving tradition before the visit eventually materialised.

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Mrs. Tinubu reiterated the need for Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles, saying greater support for indigenous products would preserve the nation’s cultural heritage while boosting economic opportunities for local weavers and their communities.

In his speech, the Abia State governor expressed his administration’s confidence in the immense potential of the Akwete textile industry, describing the indigenous fabric as unmatched in quality.

Otti noted that the state has been promoting Akwete since 2023, with efforts focused on embracing technology and removing barriers to its growth, while reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

The wife of the governor commended Senator Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programmes for women, youths, and vulnerable groups.

Mrs. Otti described the visit as historic and praised her commitment to preserving the Akwete weaving heritage and empowering its women.

 

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