The ‘first lady’ made the declaration during her first visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she also made known a ₦2 billion intervention to revive, strengthen and promote the renowned indigenous textile industry.
"And I will tell you, 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 on Tuesday.
Mrs. Tinubu described the Akwete fabric as a unique, soft and breathable cotton material worthy of national and global recognition, vowing to showcase it on one of the country’s biggest ceremonial occasions.
She also praised the women of the cooperative for preserving the centuries-old weaving tradition and praised the transfer of the craft from one generation to another, describing it as a rich cultural heritage that must be protected.
The ‘first lady’ encouraged Nigerians to embrace locally made Akwete fabric and other indigenous textiles as a way of promoting local industries, preserving cultural identity and making available sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans.
Senator Tinubu explained that her visit was intended as a personal engagement with the women and not a formal ceremony, saying that she deliberately came without a prepared speech so she could interact freely with the weavers and appreciate their craftsmanship firsthand.
She commended Governor Alex Otti for his support for the Akwete weaving industry, describing him as “a very good man,” and recalled previously reaching out to his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to learn more about the famous weaving tradition before the visit eventually materialised.
Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed the need for Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles, saying greater support for indigenous products would preserve the nation’s cultural heritage while increasing economic opportunities for local weavers and their communities.
In his speech, the Abia State governor expressed his administration’s confidence in the immense potential of the Akwete textile industry, describing the indigenous fabric as unmatched in quality.
Otti noted that the state has been promoting Akwete since 2023, with efforts focused on embracing technology and removing barriers to its growth, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
The wife of the governor commended Senator Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Initiative’s empowerment programmes for women, youths, and vulnerable groups.
Mrs. Otti described the visit as historic and praised her commitment to preserving the Akwete weaving heritage and empowering its women.