First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has declared that she will wear Akwete fabric if President Bola Tinubu secures re-election in 2027, using the personal pledge to promote the traditional textile from Abia State. Speaking on Tuesday, July 21, during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village, she stated: “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.”
N2 Billion Donation to Revive Akwete Weaving Industry
During the visit, the First Lady announced a N2 billion donation to revive the Akwete weaving industry. The fund is expected to support local artisans and help preserve the centuries-old craft. She praised the women who have kept the weaving tradition alive across generations, noting that it was encouraging to see young people learning the skill from their families. Tinubu said she intentionally came without a prepared speech because she wanted the visit to be personal and spend time with the weavers instead of following a formal programme.
Commendation for Governor Alex Otti
Oluremi Tinubu also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti, saying, “Otti is a good man. He’s a very good man.” She recalled that she had previously tried to reach Otti's wife to learn more about Akwete weaving before the visit finally took place. She urged Nigerians to wear Akwete and other locally produced textiles to preserve the country's cultural heritage and create more opportunities for local weavers.
Background: President Tinubu’s ‘Iya Alakara’ Joke
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu playfully referred to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as "Iya Alakara" during the maiden Presidential Press Corps dinner in Abuja. The president's remark came after public reactions to the First Lady's comments encouraging women to start small businesses such as akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli with grants provided under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
