Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to wear Akwete fabric if President Bola Tinubu is re-elected for a second term, while announcing a ₦2 billion intervention to support the revival of the historic weaving industry in Abia State.
The First Lady made the remarks on Tuesday during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village, where she met local artisans and inspected the centuries-old weaving tradition for which the community is renowned.
Speaking during the visit, Oluremi Tinubu praised the quality of the handwoven fabric, describing it as soft, breathable and suitable for everyday wear.
“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 also commended the younger generation for preserving the traditional craft, noting that the weaving skills have continued to be passed down through families over the years.
“I saw young people in their family doing the exact thing. So it is a craft transferred from generation to generation,” she added.
As part of efforts to promote the industry, the First Lady announced a ₦2 billion donation aimed at reviving Akwete weaving, improving the livelihoods of local artisans and encouraging the growth of indigenous textile production.
She urged Nigerians to embrace Akwete fabric and other locally produced textiles, saying increased patronage would help preserve the country’s cultural heritage while creating more economic opportunities for rural communities.
Oluremi Tinubu explained that she intentionally chose not to prepare a formal speech because she wanted the visit to focus on interacting directly with the women behind the famous weaving tradition and listening to their experiences.
She also expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as “a good man,” and recalled previously reaching out to his wife to learn more about the Akwete weaving heritage before eventually making the visit.
The First Lady concluded by encouraging Nigerians to support locally made fabrics, stressing that greater demand for indigenous products would strengthen traditional industries and improve the economic well-being of communities that depend on them.
Watch the video below…
“If my husband wins a second term, I will be wearing Akwete wrapper.”
— First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, speaking today during her visit to Abia State. pic.twitter.com/NJ3DoNsEXB
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) July 21, 2026
