First Lady Pledges to Showcase Akwete Fabric if Tinubu Secures Second Term

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday said she would wear the traditional Akwete ‘buba’ and wrapper if President Bola Tinubu is re-elected in the 2027 general elections.

The First Lady made the remark during her visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

TVC News Online reports that the First Lady also announced a ₦2 billion intervention aimed at revitalising the renowned indigenous textile industry.

She said, “And I will tell you, I told Her Excellency, I said, if God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba wrapper from Akwete.”

Senator Tinubu described Akwete fabric as a unique, soft and breathable cotton textile deserving of wider national and international recognition.

She praised the women of the cooperative for preserving the centuries-old weaving tradition and ensuring the craft is passed from one generation to another, describing it as a cultural heritage that should be protected.

The First Lady urged Nigerians to embrace Akwete and other locally produced textiles, saying increased patronage would strengthen indigenous industries, preserve the nation’s cultural identity and create sustainable livelihoods for local artisans.

She explained that her visit was designed as a personal engagement with the weavers rather than a formal event, noting that she deliberately came without a prepared speech to interact freely with them and appreciate their craftsmanship.

Senator Tinubu also commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for supporting the Akwete weaving industry, describing him as “a very good man.” She recalled previously reaching out to the governor’s wife, Priscilla Otti, to learn more about the famous weaving tradition before the visit eventually took place.

Reiterating her call for greater patronage of indigenous products, she said increased support for local textiles would help preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage while expanding economic opportunities for rural communities.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti expressed confidence in the potential of the Akwete textile industry, describing the indigenous fabric as unmatched in quality.

He said the state government had been promoting Akwete since 2023 through initiatives focused on technology adoption and the removal of barriers to the industry’s growth, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

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

In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Priscilla Otti, described the visit as historic and lauded Senator Tinubu’s commitment to preserving the Akwete weaving heritage through the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programmes for women, youths and vulnerable groups.