I’ll wear ‘Akwete’ wrapper if my husband is re-elected as president — Oluremi Tinubu

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to wear traditional Akwete wrappers if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, secures a second term in office. She made this declaration during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday.

During her visit, the First Lady also announced a significant donation of ₦2 billion aimed at revitalizing the local Akwete weaving industry. She expressed admiration for the craftswomen, noting their passion and resilience in preserving the tradition across generations. Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace Igbo traditional attire made from Akwete fabric as a way to support local weavers and preserve indigenous craftsmanship.

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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.

Tinubu described her visit as informal, opting to spend time engaging with the women rather than adhering to a scripted program. She thanked Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his wife, recalling past inquiries about the weaving tradition. The First Lady emphasized the importance of patronizing locally made textiles to boost the livelihoods of rural weavers and maintain Nigeria's rich cultural heritage.

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Otti is a good man. He’s a very good man. I see that, and I want to thank you. And I remember when I was calling you, looking for your wife, concerning Akwete. So, but I thank God we are here. All those history. We are here.