The First Lady has announced a donation of N2 billion to support the preservation and promotion of Akwete weaving, a traditional textile craft indigenous to Abia State.
The gesture is aimed at safeguarding the cultural heritage and creating economic opportunities for local artisans.She made the announcement during a visit to weaving communities in the state.
According to her, Akwete cloth represents a significant part of Nigeria’s cultural identity and deserves deliberate investment to ensure it thrives for future generations.The funding will be channeled into training programmes, provision of modern equipment, and market access initiatives for weavers.
Officials said the support will also focus on improving production capacity and helping artisans reach both local and international markets.Community leaders and master weavers welcomed the intervention, noting that the industry has faced challenges such as limited funding, aging practitioners, and competition from mass-produced fabrics.
They expressed optimism that the donation would revitalize interest among youths and women.The First Lady emphasized that preserving indigenous crafts is key to cultural pride and economic empowerment. She added that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote made-in-Nigeria products and support grassroots enterprise development across the country.
