(Nigeria’s First Lady. Photo Credit: Gistreel)
In the event that President Bola Tinubu is re-elected for a second term, Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has promised to wear Akwete cloth.
On Tuesday, she said this during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State.
The First Lady also announced a ₦2 billion grant during the tour with the goal of boosting the livelihoods of local artisans and resurrecting the renowned Akwete weaving industry.
First Lady Praises Akwete Craftsmanship
Addressing members of the cooperative, Tinubu spoke warmly about the quality of the handwoven fabric, describing it as soft and breathable.
She also commended the younger generation for keeping alive the centuries-old weaving tradition passed down through families.
She said that if her husband returns to office for a second term, she would wear a buba and wrapper made from Akwete fabric, noting that it is a very soft, breathable cotton material.
She added that she had seen young people within their families carrying on the same craft, describing it as a tradition transferred across generations.
She encouraged Nigerians to embrace clothing made from Akwete and other locally produced textiles, saying greater patronage would help preserve indigenous craftsmanship while creating more opportunities for rural weavers.
Visit Focused on Meeting Local Women
The First Lady explained that she deliberately avoided preparing a formal speech because she wanted the visit to be a personal interaction with the women behind the famous weaving tradition.
According to her, the trip was centred on listening to their experiences rather than following an official programme.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as a good man.
She recalled previously reaching out to his wife to learn more about the Akwete weaving heritage and said she was grateful the long-awaited visit had finally taken place.
She explained that her original intention was simply to meet the women and hear their story, recounting that her husband had remarked she seemed frustrated, to which she responded that Otti is a good man.
She reiterated that she sees him as a very good man and thanked him, recalling how she had once reached out to his wife concerning Akwete before expressing gratitude that the visit had finally materialised.
She concluded by urging Nigerians to support locally made fabrics, stressing that increased patronage would help preserve the country’s cultural heritage and improve the economic well-being of communities that depend on traditional weaving.
“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/1P9U5oQv63
— Skrtel (@BanBray) July 22, 2026
