The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has commended the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for donating ₦2 billion to revive and expand the Akwete cloth weaving industry in Abia State.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the group described the intervention as a significant investment in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, empowering women, creating jobs and promoting economic development in the South-East.
The donation was announced during the First Lady’s visit to Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, where she pledged support for the centuries-old weaving industry. She also expressed her intention to promote Akwete fabric by wearing it, particularly if President Bola Tinubu secures a second term in office.
COSEYL described Akwete fabric as a symbol of the creativity, resilience and rich cultural identity of the Igbo people, noting that generations of women have sustained the craft despite numerous challenges.
The group further congratulated Senator Tinubu on her conferment with the traditional title of “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, describing the honour as recognition of her commitment to women’s empowerment and indigenous enterprise.
COSEYL also called on the Abia State Government to leverage the ₦2 billion intervention by establishing a world-class Akwete Textile and Cultural Hub equipped with modern production facilities, skill acquisition centres, quality control laboratories, marketing platforms, export support services and tourism infrastructure.
The youth organisation urged the state government to ensure transparency in the management of the funds so that genuine Akwete weavers directly benefit through improved production, youth empowerment, innovation and the preservation of the traditional craft.
The group equally appealed to private investors, financial institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, fashion designers and textile manufacturers to invest in the Akwete industry, describing it as a strategic opportunity to promote tourism, exports, entrepreneurship, women’s economic empowerment and regional development.
COSEYL further encouraged young people across the South-East to proudly wear Akwete fabric during cultural festivals, traditional ceremonies, weddings and official functions, stressing that increased patronage remains vital to preserving the region’s cultural heritage and positioning Akwete as a globally recognised indigenous textile.
