First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Visits Abia, Donates N2 B to Support Akwete Women Weavers

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday paid a working visit to Abia State.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and posted on his Facebook page, the First Lady, during her visit, joined the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and his wife, Lady Priscilla Otti, on a tour of the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area.

During the visit, Senator Tinubu announced a donation of N2 billion to support the empowerment of women engaged in Akwete cloth production.
Speaking at a reception held in her honour at Township School, Akwete, Senator Tinubu described Akwete cloth as a treasured cultural heritage that has been passed down from one generation to another.
She urged Nigerians, particularly the Igbo people, to promote and preserve the unique fabric.
“I am here to announce to all Nigerians that the Igbos should take Akwete to the nation. I told her (the Abia First Lady), you all wear and tie Aso Oke. Why not wear Akwete? It’s a beautiful fabric, and these are the things that should be modernised.
“But for me, and for all the notable sons of Igbo land, it’s not only Abia State but all the Igbo-speaking states that should rise to the occasion to preserve this.
“On my own, I told the Governor that I am donating Two Billion Naira to the project. I don’t know how you want to use it,” the First Lady said.
Senator Tinubu described Governor Alex Otti as “a good man” and expressed appreciation to him for transforming what was intended to be a modest visit into a memorable reception.
“Otti is a good man. He’s a very good man, and I see that. I want to thank you so much, Your Excellency. Yes, I invited myself. I remember when I called you while looking for your wife concerning Akwete, but I thank God we are here today.
“This was supposed to be just a short visit to see these women, but it turned out that the entire state came to welcome me. I am humbled.
“And I thank you, Your Excellency. You kept calling because you wanted to give me the very best,” she said.
The First Lady also recounted how her interest in Akwete cloth began and disclosed that she hopes to wear an outfit made from the fabric during her husband’s second term in office.
“While I was watching a documentary on NTA, I came across Akwete. When I heard the name Akwete, I used to think it was from Ghana.
“Since last year, I have been disturbing her (Mrs. Otti), telling her that I wanted to visit Akwete. I love traditional attire because our culture and traditions define who we are. The moment we lose them, we lose the memory of where we come from.
“And I told Her Excellency that if God grants my husband a second term, I will wear a buba and wrapper made from Akwete cloth,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
Speaking earlier, Governor Alex Otti thanked the First Lady for her decision to visit the state and support the women involved in Akwete weaving.

He noted that the visit was significant and revealed that the First Lady had personally expressed interest in visiting Abia.
“I want to thank you. This visit means a great deal to us. We have been engaging with the Akwete community since 2023, shortly after I assumed office. Like you, we believe there is enormous potential in Akwete cloth. The first thing we needed to do was to break the barriers of tradition.
“So, it is very strategic that you made this visit at this time. I also want to underscore what we represent here in Abia. Once you live in Abia, you are from Abia. We have large Hausa and Yoruba communities here, and they are fully integrated into everything we are doing,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor stated that good governance transcends political party affiliation and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the courageous decisions to remove the petroleum subsidy and float the naira.
“I want to thank you. I also plead with you to convey our warm regards to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Please thank him for his courage and sacrifices. Some people may not understand, but it takes courage to do what he did in 2023 by removing the petroleum subsidy and allowing the naira to float.
“These policies have freed up substantial funds that would otherwise have been used to finance consumption. Those resources are now available to the Federal Government, state governments, and local governments for developmental purposes. Today, many states are able to pay salaries because of those reforms,” Governor Otti stated.
He further assured the First Lady of his administration’s readiness to partner with her in establishing a modern production hub for Akwete women weavers.
In her welcome address, the Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Lady Priscilla Otti, described Akwete cloth as one of the oldest and most distinguished textile traditions of the Igbo nation, woven exclusively by the women of Akwete.
She credited the renowned 19th-century weaver, Daada Nwankata, with elevating the craft to national prominence.
Lady Otti noted that it was the first time a First Lady of Nigeria had personally visited Akwete to support the women weavers.
“This is truly a historic moment, and its significance cannot be overstated. It speaks clearly to your genuine commitment to making a practical difference in the everyday lives of ordinary Nigerian women.
“Under your leadership, the Renewed Hope Initiative has continued to deliver meaningful and practical support through grants and business empowerment programmes for women and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“We could not have asked for a better mother. May the Almighty God continue to strengthen you,” Mrs. Otti stated.
In their goodwill messages, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta; former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Sampson Ogah; and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, thanked the First Lady for identifying with the Akwete women. They also commended Lady Priscilla Otti for bringing national attention to the community.
They described the occasion as remarkable and pledged their support for Governor Otti’s administration.
Hon. Chris Nkwonta particularly emphasised the need to increase the visibility of Akwete cloth and establish a befitting weaving and production centre for the women. He praised Governor Otti’s performance and publicly declared his support for him.
“This is a man who has come to redefine governance in Abia State. I am a member of the APC, but I will tell you something today—my vote is for Governor Alex Otti,” Hon. Nkwonta stated.
Speaking during an interview, the Labour Party House of Representatives candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, highlighted the economic importance of expanding Akwete cloth production. He commended both the Wife of the Abia State Governor and the First Lady of Nigeria for their commitment to empowering women irrespective of political party affiliation.
The event also featured the conferment of the traditional chieftaincy title “Ugo Nwanyi of Abia,” meaning “The Pride of Womanhood,” on Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The ceremony attracted dignitaries from different political parties and various sectors across Abia State.