The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says she will wear an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, is re-elected in 2027.
She spoke during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday, where she also announced a ₦2bn donation to revitalise the local weaving industry.
“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,” she said.
“I’m in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for. I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture, tells us who we are. The moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from,” she said.
“The craft was transferred from generation to generation. It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, and endurance.
“The tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, and they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation.”