By Mephy James
President of Globe Legislators International and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, hasdescribed the recent visit of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the historic Akwete weaving community in Abia State as a major boost to indigenous industries and Nigeria’s drive towards economic diversification.
Onuigbo said the First Lady’s visit, during which she announced a N2 billion intervention to accelerate the development and expansion of the renowned Akwete textile industry, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting local enterprise, preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and empowering women.
In a statement, the former federal lawmaker noted that Akwete, one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of indigenous textile production, possesses enormous economic potential capable of generating employment, boosting non-oil exports and attracting tourism if properly developed.
He commended the First Lady for taking the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to the grassroots, describing her engagement with the weavers and community leaders in Ukwa East Local Government Area as a practical demonstration of inclusive governance and community-driven economic development.
According to him, the Akwete weaving tradition is more than a cultural symbol, as it represents a viable economic asset that can empower women and young people while contributing significantly to the nation’s creative economy.
“The visit of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was far beyond a ceremonial event. It reflects the Renewed Hope Initiative’s conviction that Nigeria’s economic growth must begin from the grassroots through strategic investments in the creativity, productivity and enterprise of local communities,” he said.
Onuigbo added that by identifying with the artisans who have sustained the centuries-old weaving tradition, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity while creating opportunities for women to achieve economic independence through enterprise and skills acquisition.
He observed that the First Lady’s message on supporting locally made products and expanding opportunities for women aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic agenda of diversifying the economy, stimulating local production and strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises.
According to him, indigenous industries such as Akweteweaving offer sustainable pathways for rural development, job creation and increased export earnings, stressing that investments in such sectors should be viewed as strategic economic priorities rather than mere cultural preservation.
The former lawmaker also applauded Senator Tinubu’s sustained advocacy for women across the country, describing her interventions as practical demonstrations of compassionate leadership capable of transforming families and communities.
He argued that empowering women through improved access to finance, entrepreneurship support, vocational training and the promotion of locally manufactured products would yield long-term economic benefits.
Onuigbo further noted that the Akwete textile industry could emerge as a major contributor to Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy if supported with modern production facilities, improved infrastructure, affordable financing, product standardisation, digital marketing and stronger access to domestic and international markets.
He called on the Federal Government, the Abia State Government, development partners, financial institutions and private investors to collaborate in building a sustainable value chain around the Akwete textile industry through capacity building, technology upgrades, quality certification, branding, export promotion and increased youth participation.
While commending the cordial relationship between the Federal Government and Abia State, Onuigbo appreciated Governor Alex Otti for creating an enabling environment that continues to attract strategic national engagements capable of expanding the state’s economic opportunities.
“As a proud son of Abia State and a committed member of the All Progressives Congress, I warmly welcome Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to our dear state. Her visit has inspired renewed optimism among our people and reinforced confidence that indigenous industries have an important place in Nigeria’s economic future,” he said.
He also encouraged Nigerians to patronise locally produced goods and preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage, insisting that sustainable economic development is best achieved by harnessing local talent, creativity and indigenous resources.
Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo expressed confidence that with sustained policy support, strategic investment and stronger public-private collaboration, the Akwete weaving industry can evolve into a globally competitive enterprise that creates wealth, expands employment opportunities and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
