2027: I’ll Wear Akwete Wrapper if Tinubu Wins Re-Election – Oluremi Tinubu Announces ₦2bn Support for Weavers

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pledged to wear the famous Akwete traditional buba and wrapper if President Bola Tinubu secures a second term in the 2027 general elections.

She made the remark during her first official visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she also unveiled a ₦2 billion intervention fund aimed at revitalising the centuries-old indigenous textile industry.

Speaking with members of the cooperative, Mrs. Tinubu said she intends to promote the locally woven fabric on one of Nigeria’s biggest ceremonial occasions if her husband is re-elected.

“I told Her Excellency, I said, if God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba wrapper from Akwete,” she said.

Describing Akwete fabric as a distinctive, soft and breathable cotton textile, the First Lady praised the women who have sustained the weaving tradition across generations. She said preserving the craft is essential to protecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

Mrs. Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to embrace locally produced fabrics, stressing that increased patronage of indigenous textiles would strengthen local industries, preserve cultural identity and improve the livelihoods of rural artisans.

She explained that her visit was designed to be a personal interaction with the weavers rather than a formal event, adding that she deliberately avoided preparing a speech so she could engage directly with the women and witness their craftsmanship firsthand.

The First Lady also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for supporting the Akwete weaving industry, describing him as “a very good man.” She recalled contacting the governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to learn more about the famous weaving tradition before making the visit.

In his remarks, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the Akwete textile industry, saying efforts have been underway since 2023 to modernise production and eliminate obstacles affecting its growth. He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti described the visit as historic and applauded the Renewed Hope Initiative for empowering women, youths and vulnerable groups, while commending the First Lady for promoting the Akwete weaving heritage.