My administration working to revitalise Akwete weaving industry - Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced his administration's commitment to revitalizing the Akwete weaving industry, aiming to remove barriers and position it as a globally competitive textile enterprise.

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Our administration has been working to revitalize the Akwete weaving industry since assuming office by dismantling the barriers that have limited its growth. We have also designed a comprehensive development plan and look forward to partnering with the First Lady to build a world-class production hub for the women.

During a visit by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society, Governor Otti detailed a comprehensive plan to modernize the industry. He proposed a partnership with the First Lady to establish a world-class production hub for local weavers. Otti cautioned that the indigenous textile sector could lose its market share to machine-made imitations from countries like India and China if it fails to embrace innovation and technology.

"Our administration has been working to revitalize the Akwete weaving industry since assuming office by dismantling the barriers that have limited its growth," Otti stated. He expressed anticipation for a partnership with the First Lady to build a state-of-the-art production hub for the women involved in this traditional craft.

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The reforms have increased resources available to the federal, state and local governments for infrastructure development.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, suggesting these measures have increased resources for infrastructure development. He appealed for patience from Nigerians, expressing confidence that the benefits of these reforms will become more apparent over time.

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The First Lady's decision to promote Akwete fabric would create lasting economic opportunities for women engaged in the traditional craft.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title "Ugonwanyi," announced a ₦2 billion donation towards the revitalization of the Akwete weaving industry. She also pledged to promote the locally woven fabric. Governor Otti's wife, Priscilla Otti, highlighted the historic nature of the First Lady's visit and praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its work in women empowerment and small business support.

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A ₦2 billion donation towards the revitalisation of the Akwete weaving industry.