Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for drawing national attention to Abia State’s renowned female artisans through her visit to the historic Akwete weaving community.
Onyejeocha described the visit as a significant recognition of generations of women who have preserved the centuries-old Akwete weaving tradition despite receiving little national acknowledgement.
In a statement issued by her media office in Abuja yesterday and made available to LEADERSHIP, the former minister said the First Lady’s decision to visit the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society underscored the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage while promoting women’s economic empowerment.
She said that Senator Tinubu’s engagement with the artisans would inspire greater appreciation for their craftsmanship and create new investment opportunities in the local textile industry.
According to Onyejeocha, the visit sends a strong message that women artisans’ contributions are valued and deserve national recognition. She expressed optimism that the First Lady’s intervention would stimulate economic opportunities for women and youths in the community, while helping to sustain the globally acclaimed Akwete textile tradition.
The former minister also commended Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, and his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, for hosting the First Lady and facilitating the visit.
Welcoming Senator Tinubu to the state, Onyejeocha said Abia was honoured to receive her and expressed confidence that the visit would further elevate the profile of the Akwete weaving industry.
The First Lady is expected to tour the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society, interact with local weavers, observe the traditional craft that has earned Akwete textiles international recognition, and attend a civic reception at the Akwete Central School Field.
