The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the preservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage, noting that it is vital for posterity and national prosperity.
She made the call during a visit to Akwete in Abia State, home of the famous handwoven Akwete fabric, one of Nigeria’s historic traditional textiles.
“Akwete weaving tradition is a heritage that the women who weave the fabric cherish and we need to encourage them to pass on the skill to younger generations,” she said.
The first lady said, “We also need to encourage our young people to embrace our traditions and cultural attires. It’s the culture I grew up in and I proudly wear African clothing wherever I travel the world.”
She was happy, Mrs Tinubu said, to see the young members of their families learning and practicing the tradition, although the women hold the craft in high esteem and consider it sacred.
“I love traditional outfits because our traditions and culture identify who we are. “The moment we lose them, we risk forgetting where we came from,” she said.
She praised the Akwete people for preserving the craft and passing it on from one generation to the other.
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“It is a sacred craft done with love and patience and endurance and must not be desecrated,” she said. When we saw the building there we agreed it needed an upgrade. “We can use it as a basis to tell the story of this remarkable heritage.”
I have heard your appeal, O women of Akwete. Today I am asking all Nigerians, especially the Igbo to take Akwete fabric to the world. I therefore call on the illustrious sons and daughters of Igboland to arise and preserve this treasured heritage.”
She later announced a donation of N2 billion for the development of the Akwete production site in Abia State.
Mrs Tinubu was bestowed with the chieftaincy title of Ugo Nwanyi of Abia.
She was received by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, his wife, Priscilla, traditional rulers from across the state, prominent political leaders, clergy and other dignitaries at the historic Akwete weaving community.
