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. Read Also Tinubu Congratulates UK Prime Minister Andy BurnhamTinubu Mourns Rotimi Amaechi’s MotherRemi Tinubu, CJN Kekere-Ekun, Governors To Attend NASS Open……
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.
In a statement signed by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady added, “Our young people need to also be encouraged to get used to our tradition and cultural outfits. It is the culture that raised me, and there is nowhere that I stand in the world without wearing African wears”.
“These women, while they hold their craft very dear, it is a spiritual thing for them. One of the good things that I saw was young people in their families doing the exact thing. 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.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu added that the craft was transferred from generation to generation, which she commended.
“It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, and endurance, and that should not be desecrated. When we saw a building there, we said we would lift the structure.
” We can build on it, which will tell the story. For the women of Akwete, I heard your cry, am here to announce to all Nigerians that the Igbo should take Akwete to the nations. For me and all the notable sons of Igbo land, rise up to preserve this”.
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.