First Lady’s push for indigenous cottage industries sparks economic growth – Former MP Onuigbo

First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu’s recent visit to the historic weaving community of Akwete, where she donated $2 billion to accelerate the improvement and expansion of Akwete textiles, is a huge boost to the growth of indigenous cottage industries and a huge turning point to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

President of Globe Legislators International and former parliamentarian, the Hon. Sam Onuigbo, who made this statement, noted that by visiting Akwete, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated centers of indigenous textile manufacturing, the first lady sent a powerful message that the federal government recognizes the immense value of local industries in promoting sustainable economic growth and improving the livelihoods of communities.

Onuigbo, while commending the first lady for the naive visit to the historic Akwete weaver community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of ​​Abia State, described the stopover as a timely demonstration of the commitment of the Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) to inclusive economic development, cultural preservation and economic empowerment of women.

Onuigbo, recently elected to head the global policymakers forum, GLOBE, noted that “the tradition of Akwete weaving represents not only a proud cultural heritage, but also a vital economic resource capable of generating employment, empowering women and youth.”

While highlighting the enormous potential of the Akwete industry to attract tourism and increase non-oil exports if adequately supported, the former member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituency, said the first lady has shown remarkable vision for the inclusion of the grassroots in economic empowerment.

He said: “The visit of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Akwete is much more than a ceremonial engagement. It is a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s belief that Nigeria’s development must be driven from the grassroots by investing in the ingenuity, resourcefulness and productivity of our people.

“Akwete fabric is one of Nigeria’s most prized indigenous textiles with a rich history that has survived generations. By identifying with the women and artisans who have supported this extraordinary craft, the First Lady has once again demonstrated her passion for empowering communities and preserving our cultural identity.”

Onuigbo said that through her speech and interaction with weavers and community leaders, the first lady highlighted the importance of supporting locally produced goods, preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creating opportunities for women to become economically independent through business and skills development

“These priorities align with the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to diversify the economy, stimulate local manufacturing and build resilient communities through strategic investments in small and medium enterprises.

“The President has consistently emphasized that Nigeria’s future prosperity lies in the expansion of productive sectors beyond oil. Indigenous industries like Akwete weaving provide the kind of opportunities that can strengthen rural economies, create sustainable jobs and position Nigeria’s cultural products competitively in regional and international markets.

“Support for these industries should therefore be seen not just as a simple preservation of tradition, but as a strategic economic investment.”

Onuigbo, considered the father of climate change in Nigeria for sponsoring national climate change legislation in 2021, praised the first lady’s continued advocacy for women, describing her interventions across the country as practical expressions of compassionate leadership.

“Women remain central to Nigeria’s economic transformation, and initiatives to strengthen female entrepreneurship, improve access to finance, expand vocational training and promote locally made products would produce lasting benefits for families and communities.

“The Akwete weaving industry has enormous potential to become a major contributor to Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy if equipped with modern production facilities, improved infrastructure, access to affordable financing, product standardization, digital marketing opportunities and stronger links with domestic and international markets,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government, Abia State Government, development partners, financial institutions and private investors to collaborate in developing a comprehensive value chain around the Akwete textile industry.

“Such collaboration,” he noted, “should include skill development of artisans, technological upgrades, improved product branding, quality certification, export promotion and youth participation to ensure the preservation and expansion of an age-old craft.”

Lauding the synergy between the federal government and sub-national governments, Onuigbo commended the hospitality extended to the first lady by the people of Abia State and expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for creating an enabling environment that continues to attract national attention and strategic commitments that can expand the economic horizon of the state.

His words: “As a proud son of Abia State and a committed member of the All Progressives Congress, I warmly welcome His Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to our dear State. His visit has inspired renewed optimism among our people and strengthened the confidence that indigenous industries have an important place in Nigeria’s economic future.

“I encourage our people to continue to support locally made products and preserve the values, culture and traditions that define our communities. Economic development is strongest when it builds on local strengths, creativity and heritage.”

He noted that with deliberate policy support, strategic investments and continued collaboration between government and the private sector, traditional industries such as Akwete weaving can evolve into a globally recognized enterprise that creates wealth, expands employment opportunities and significantly contributes to Nigeria’s economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda.