The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N2 billion to the Abia State Government to support the development and promotion of the renowned Akwete fabric, a centuries-old handwoven textile indigenous to the Akwete community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs. Tinubu announced the donation on Tuesday during her visit to Aba as part of activities aimed at celebrating and promoting the historic Akwete weaving heritage.

She said the intervention would support the development of the Akwete production centre, create employment opportunities, strengthen local production, and boost the state’s economy.

According to the First Lady, the donation is also intended to preserve the centuries-old weaving tradition and ensure that the unique cultural heritage is sustained for future generations.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu described Akwete fabric as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural identity, commending the women of Akwete for preserving the craft through generations.

She noted that the fabric, woven on traditional vertical looms using cotton, raffia, and silk, is renowned for its vibrant colours and distinctive geometric designs.

“I am in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for. I love traditional outfits because our tradition and culture tell us who we are. The moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from,” she said.

She described the weaving tradition as a sacred craft handed down from one generation to another through love, patience, and dedication, urging that it be preserved and passed on to younger generations.

The First Lady also encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace their cultural heritage by proudly wearing African traditional attire.

Addressing the women of Akwete, she said, “I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo people that it is time to take Akwete fabric to the national stage. Therefore, all notable sons and daughters of Igbo land should rise up to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating N2 billion for the project.”

Mrs. Tinubu further pledged that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in office in the 2027 presidential election, she would wear an Akwete fabric wrapper and “buba” during the presidential inauguration.

Responding, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, alongside his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for the generous intervention, describing it as a major boost to the state’s efforts to revive and expand the Akwete weaving industry.

Governor Otti said the state government had been engaging the Akwete weaving community since 2023 to reposition the industry as a viable economic enterprise capable of competing in both local and international markets.

He stated that the government was addressing long-standing challenges affecting the industry while introducing technology-driven innovations to improve production, quality, and global competitiveness.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, which he said were laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, praised the women of Akwete for sustaining the historic craft, describing them as the backbone of the community.

He pledged his support towards the construction of a modern weaving centre to further strengthen the industry.

ABN TV reports that the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers conferred the traditional title of “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” (The Pride of Abia Women) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her generosity, compassion, and contributions to the welfare of Nigerian women.

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In the nighttime video, a South African man walks through the streets while filming and speaking to the camera. He shows various spots to illustrate his point.

He says:

“Business is dying in South Africa. Nobody is making money. Africans have left, and now we have our own businesses. It’s very clean, but it’s also very quiet.”

(Here “Africans” refers to foreign African nationals — immigrants and traders from other African countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and others who operated businesses, shops, and stalls in the area.)

He points the camera toward a food stall with well-grilled chicken and other meats on display, but notes there are no customers around. He then pans to an empty club area, saying it used to be bubbling and packed at this time, but now it’s completely quiet because the people (foreign Africans) who used to make the place busy have gone.

He continues:

“Around this time on a normal Saturday, you couldn’t even get through this street because it would be packed. But look at it now.”

The man adds that it will even be worse in the coming weeks because more foreigners will leave.

Purpose of the video:

The video is a direct on-the-ground complaint about the economic decline in the area. The man is showing the visible emptiness — quiet streets, idle food vendors with grilled chicken but no buyers, and a once-lively club now deserted — to demonstrate how the departure of foreign African nationals (who drove much of the customer traffic and hustle) has hurt local businesses. He warns that the situation will deteriorate further as more foreigners leave.

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