The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said she would proudly wear an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, is re-elected for a second term in office.
She made the remark on Tuesday during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State, where she also announced a N2 billion donation to support the revitalisation of the local weaving industry.
Speaking during the visit, the First Lady said, “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.
“I saw young people in their family doing exact thing. So it is a craft transferred from generation.”
She praised the women of the cooperative for preserving the centuries-old craft and encouraged Nigerians to embrace traditional Igbo attire made from Akwete fabric as a way of promoting local production and supporting indigenous weavers.
Oluremi Tinubu explained that she deliberately came without a prepared speech because the visit was intended to be a personal interaction with the women rather than a formal ceremony.
The First Lady also commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing him as “a very good man,” while recalling that she had previously contacted his wife to learn more about the Akwete weaving tradition.
“I just wanted to meet with these women, which I will tell the story. But we went on, and 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. And 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,” she said.
She further urged Nigerians to patronise locally produced textiles to help preserve indigenous craftsmanship and improve the livelihoods of rural weavers.
