Don’t Let the Akwete Momentum Die, Onuigbo Urges South-East to Sustain First Lady’s Revolution

President of GLOBE Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has described First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s recent declaration in support of the Akwete weaving industry as a major boost for women’s economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

In an article titled “Examining First Lady’s Akwete Declaration Amid Issues of Women Economic Inclusivity,” Onuigbo said the First Lady’s pledge of ₦2 billion to develop the Akwete weaving industry demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering rural women and promoting indigenous enterprises.

According to him, the intervention goes beyond financial support, presenting an opportunity for Akwete weavers to modernise production, embrace technology and artificial intelligence, expand global market access, and create more jobs.

Onuigbo also praised the First Lady’s campaign to promote Akwete fabric as a national cultural symbol alongside Aso-Oke and Adire, describing it as a bold step towards strengthening Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and economic diversification.

He further stated that as an Abian, a grassroots politician as well as Igbo cultural ambassador, who lived and worked within the area before it was split into Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government Areas, he would attest to the ingenuity and creativity of the women involved in the handcrafted Akwete cloth.

He urged the wives of South-East governors and other stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated by the First Lady’s visit by promoting Akwete weaving and supporting other indigenous cottage industries across the region.

The former lawmaker further described Senator Tinubu as a visionary leader with a longstanding record of mobilising women for national development, calling on Nigerian women, especially those in the South-East, to seize the opportunities created by the renewed focus on the Akwete industry.