The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦2 billion to the Akwete Cooperative Society in Abia State to strengthen the production, preservation and global promotion of the famous Akwete fabric. The donation was announced during her visit to the historic Akwete community in Ukwa East Local Government Area, where she was received by Governor Alex Otti, his wife Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, traditional rulers, political leaders, artisans and members of the cooperative.
Speaking during the event, Senator Tinubu described Akwete weaving as a priceless cultural heritage that must be protected for future generations. She said her appreciation of the fabric grew after watching a documentary on its history and learning more about it from the Wife of the Governor. The First Lady stressed that preserving indigenous traditions is vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s identity, adding that Akwete’s unique texture and quality make it one of the country’s finest fabrics. She also assured that women interested in learning the craft, including members of the APC, would be supported to acquire the skill.
Governor Alex Otti said his administration remains committed to unlocking the economic potential of the Akwete textile industry through technology, improved production processes and expanded opportunities for local artisans. He noted that Akwete fabric remains one of Nigeria’s finest indigenous textiles and emphasized that development initiatives capable of improving citizens’ lives should be embraced irrespective of political differences. Earlier, Mrs. Priscilla Otti described the visit as historic, noting it was the first time the Wife of a Nigerian President had visited Akwete specifically to empower its women weavers.
Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, said the First Lady’s visit reflected the positive transformation taking place in Abia State, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe described the intervention as a strategic investment that would preserve cultural heritage, create jobs and empower women. The member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, also pledged to work towards establishing a modern weaving centre to boost production and attract international patronage.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, expressed appreciation to Senator Tinubu for supporting the Akwete women, saying the intervention would create wealth and expand entrepreneurship opportunities. Abia APC Women Leader, Lady Chino Cecilia Erondu, also praised the First Lady for choosing Abia for the programme and commended Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for promoting unity within the Abia APC. She described the ₦2 billion donation as a major boost for women empowerment and urged party members to remain united and focused.
The event climaxed with traditional rulers conferring the prestigious “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” chieftaincy title on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her support for women and cultural preservation. The ceremony attracted prominent government officials, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, artisans and women groups from across Abia State, who celebrated the renewed commitment to preserving and promoting one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous textile traditions.
