The First Lady made the declaration on Tuesday during her maiden visit to the historic Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she also announced a ₦2 billion intervention aimed at reviving, modernising and promoting the renowned indigenous textile industry.

Her visit formed part of efforts to support local artisans, preserve Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and encourage greater patronage of locally produced fabrics.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the cooperative, Mrs. Tinubu expressed admiration for the craftsmanship, resilience and dedication of the women who have kept the centuries-old weaving tradition alive despite numerous economic challenges.

She said she was deeply impressed by the beauty, quality and uniqueness of the handwoven Akwete fabric, describing it as one of Nigeria's finest cultural treasures that deserves wider recognition both at home and on the international stage.

"I told Her Excellency that if God grants my husband a second term in office, I will proudly wear an Akwete 'buba' and wrapper," the First Lady said, drawing applause from the gathering.

She explained that the fabric's soft texture, breathable cotton material and exceptional craftsmanship distinguish it from many other locally produced textiles, adding that she intends to showcase it during one of Nigeria's major ceremonial events as a way of promoting indigenous products and projecting the country's cultural identity to a global audience.

Mrs. Tinubu praised the women of the Akwete Weaving Cooperative for preserving a craft that has survived for generations through commitment, patience and the deliberate transfer of knowledge from mothers to daughters.

According to her, the weaving tradition represents more than a source of income for the community, describing it as a living symbol of Nigeria's cultural identity and an important heritage that must be protected and sustained for future generations.

She urged Nigerians to embrace Akwete fabric and other indigenous textiles, stressing that increased patronage of locally made products would stimulate economic growth, strengthen rural economies, create employment opportunities for artisans and encourage young people to preserve traditional skills instead of abandoning them.

The First Lady noted that supporting indigenous industries aligns with the Federal Government's broader efforts to encourage local production, reduce dependence on imported goods and create sustainable wealth within communities.

Mrs. Tinubu disclosed that her visit to Akwete was intentionally informal, explaining that she chose not to prepare a formal speech because she wanted to interact freely with the women, learn directly from them and personally witness the painstaking process involved in producing the famous fabric.

She said the experience gave her an even greater appreciation of the creativity, patience and hard work invested in every piece of Akwete cloth.

The President's wife also commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his administration's commitment to preserving and promoting the Akwete weaving industry, describing him as "a very good man" whose government has demonstrated genuine interest in protecting the state's cultural and economic assets.

She recalled that before the visit eventually materialised, she had reached out to the governor's wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to learn more about the famous weaving community and expressed delight that she was finally able to meet the women behind the celebrated fabric.

Reiterating her appeal for Nigerians to support indigenous products, Mrs. Tinubu said the continued survival of traditional industries depends largely on local patronage, adding that every purchase of Nigerian-made textiles contributes directly to preserving cultural heritage while improving the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and their families.

She assured the cooperative that the ₦2 billion intervention would help reposition the industry by supporting production, expanding opportunities for the weavers and increasing the visibility of Akwete fabric within and outside Nigeria.

In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration's confidence in the enormous economic and cultural potential of the Akwete textile industry, describing the indigenous fabric as unrivalled in quality, durability and craftsmanship.

The governor said his administration has, since assuming office in 2023, pursued deliberate policies to reposition the industry through technology-driven innovation, improved infrastructure, enhanced market access and the removal of barriers hindering its growth.

He noted that the ultimate goal is to transform Akwete into a globally competitive textile brand capable of generating employment, attracting investment and contributing significantly to Abia State's economic development.

Governor Otti also reiterated his administration's commitment to inclusive governance, assuring residents that every community in the state would continue to benefit from policies designed to promote economic growth and social development.

The governor further commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing key economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, describing the decisions as bold and necessary measures aimed at laying the foundation for long-term economic recovery despite the short-term difficulties experienced by Nigerians.

Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described Senator Oluremi Tinubu's visit as historic, saying it would further elevate the profile of the Akwete weaving industry and encourage greater national appreciation of the community's rich cultural heritage.

She praised the First Lady for the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that its empowerment programmes have continued to provide support for women, youths and vulnerable groups across the country through skills development, financial assistance and other intervention schemes.

Mrs. Otti expressed optimism that the First Lady's visit and the ₦2 billion intervention would usher in a new phase of growth for the Akwete weaving industry, strengthen the livelihoods of local artisans and preserve one of Nigeria's oldest and most celebrated indigenous textile traditions for generations to come.