The Indigenous Akwete Women Weaving Cooperative Society Ltd. and the entire Akwete community have expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR; and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for their support for Akwete weaving and the empowerment of women.
In a statement signed by Dame Caroline I. Okere Ogbonna on behalf of the cooperative society, the Akwete women particularly commended Senator Tinubu for her interest in the traditional Akwete fabric, describing her recognition and support as a significant boost to the visibility and preservation of the craft.
The society said Akwete women had, for generations, preserved the indigenous weaving tradition by passing down skills and techniques from mothers to daughters, noting that the craft represents the community’s history, cultural identity, creativity and economic resilience.
According to the statement, the growing recognition of Akwete weaving has helped restore confidence among the women, promote awareness of the cultural significance of the fabric, encourage younger generations to embrace the craft and highlight the economic value of traditional women’s enterprises.
The society also commended Governor Otti for his administration’s emphasis on Made-in-Abia products, saying the policy direction had created an enabling environment for artisans, cooperatives and women entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and contribute to the state’s economy.
It noted that the promotion of locally made products offered Akwete women an opportunity to transform their traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods while preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
The cooperative further appreciated Mrs. Priscilla Otti for her advocacy for women’s welfare, family development and grassroots empowerment across the state.
The society pledged to sustain efforts to preserve the traditional art of Akwete weaving, train younger women, maintain high standards of craftsmanship and promote innovation without compromising the authenticity and cultural identity of the fabric.
It also promised to promote Akwete nationally and internationally as a symbol of Nigerian creativity and cultural excellence, while protecting the cultural identity associated with the Akwete name.
The women described the growing recognition of Akwete weaving as a significant milestone for the community and prayed God to grant Senator Tinubu, Governor Otti and Mrs. Priscilla Otti wisdom, strength, good health and continued grace to serve humanity.
The society concluded with a commitment to ensuring that “the hands that weave Akwete never grow weary” and that the heritage of Akwete continues to flourish as a symbol of Nigerian creativity, resilience and cultural wealth.
Recall that during the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu’s historic visit to Akwete in July 2026, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, announced a ₦2 billion intervention to support the revitalisation of Akwete textile production and empower the indigenous women engaged in the traditional craft. The intervention was aimed at strengthening the weaving industry, preserving Akwete’s cultural heritage and creating greater economic opportunities for the women whose skills have sustained the centuries-old tradition.
The gesture has been widely regarded as a significant boost to the visibility and commercial prospects of Akwete fabric, while reinforcing the importance of promoting indigenous Nigerian crafts and locally made products.
