Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to wear the traditional Akwete buba and wrapper if President Bola Tinubu is re-elected in the 2027 general elections.
She made the remark during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she also unveiled a ₦2 billion intervention aimed at revitalising the centuries-old indigenous textile industry.
Speaking to the women weavers, Senator Tinubu said she would proudly showcase the locally made fabric if her husband secures a second term in office.
She described Akwete as a high-quality, comfortable cotton fabric with the potential to gain wider national and international recognition, urging Nigerians to embrace locally produced textiles to strengthen the country’s economy and preserve its cultural heritage.
The First Lady commended members of the cooperative for keeping the weaving tradition alive through generations, describing the craft as a valuable cultural asset that deserves continued protection and promotion.
She explained that her visit was designed to interact directly with the weavers and appreciate their craftsmanship rather than attend a formal event, adding that she intentionally came without a prepared speech.
Senator Tinubu also praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for supporting the growth of the Akwete weaving industry and recalled discussing the famous textile tradition with the governor’s wife, Priscilla Otti, before making the visit.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the Akwete textile industry through innovation and technology, describing the fabric as one of the finest indigenous textiles in the country.
He noted that the state government has been investing in the industry since 2023 and also commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the visit as historic and applauded Senator Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for empowering women, youths and vulnerable groups, while commending her efforts to preserve the Akwete weaving heritage.
