The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said she will wear Akwete fabric if President Bola Tinubu is re-elected for a second term, describing the traditional textile as comfortable and a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Mrs Tinubu made the remark on Tuesday 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 donation to support the revitalisation of the local weaving industry.
“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft breathable cotton,” she said.
She praised the women of the cooperative for preserving the centuries-old weaving tradition and noted that the craft had been passed down through generations.
“I saw young people in their family doing exact thing. So it is a craft transferred from generation,” she added.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to embrace Akwete fabric and other locally made textiles to preserve indigenous craftsmanship and improve the livelihoods of local artisans.
Mrs Tinubu said she deliberately avoided a formal speech because she wanted the visit to be a personal interaction with the women rather than a ceremonial event.
She also commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing him as “a very good man,” and recalled previously reaching out to his wife to learn more about the Akwete weaving tradition.
“I just wanted to meet with these women… My husband said something. He said I was getting frustrated. I said, Otti is a good man. He’s a very good man. I see that, and I want to thank you,” she said.
Recalling her earlier efforts to visit the community, she added, “I remember when I was calling you, looking for your wife, concerning Akwete. So, but I thank God we are here. All those history. We are here.”
Mrs Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to support locally produced fabrics, saying greater patronage would help preserve the country’s cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for rural weavers.