Abia Governor Partners First Lady to Modernise Akwete Weaving Industry

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced new initiatives aimed at revitalising the indigenous Akwete weaving industry, seeking to overcome growth barriers and position the traditional craft as a globally competitive textile enterprise.

Governor Otti shared the development during a joint visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society in Ukwa East Local Government Area alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Governor’s wife, Priscilla Otti.

To protect the local industry from market competition posed by foreign, machine-made imitations, Governor Otti outlined a comprehensive modernisation strategy. The plan includes a proposed partnership with the Office of the First Lady to construct a world-class production hub for local weavers in the state.

During the visit, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Ugonwanyi” by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council. In support of the initiative, she announced a ₦2 billion donation dedicated to the revitalization of the Akwete weaving industry and committed to actively promoting the indigenous fabric.

Governor Otti also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, noting that these policy shifts have increased revenues available for state and local infrastructure projects.