First Lady’s impetus for indigenous cottage industries trigger for economic growth – Ex-lawmaker Onuigbo

First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu’s recent visit to the historic Akwete weaving community, where she donated N2billion to accelerated improvement and expansion of the Akwete fabrics, is a giant impetus to the growth of indigenous cottage industries and huge flip to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

President of Globe Legislators International and former lawmaker, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, who made the assertion, noted that by visiting Akwete locale, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated centres of indigenous textile production, the first lady has sent a powerful message that the federal government recognises the immense value of local industries in driving sustainable economic growth and improving livelihoods across communities.

Onuigbo, while commending the first lady for the ingenuous trip to the historic Akwete weaving community in Ukwa East local government area of Abia state, described the stopover as a timely demonstration of the Renewed Hope Initiatives’ (RHI) commitment to inclusive economic development, cultural preservation and women’s economic empowerment.

Onuigbo, who was recently elected to head the global legislators’ forum, the GLOBE, remarked that “the Akwete weaving tradition represents not only a proud cultural heritage, but also a viable economic asset capable of generating employment, empowering women and young people.”

While noting the huge potential of the Akwete industry for attracting tourism and increasing non-oil exports when adequately supported, the former member of House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, said the first lady has shown remarkable vision for grassroots inclusivity in economic empowerment.

He stated: “The visit of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Akwete is far 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, enterprise and productivity of our people.

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

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

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

“The President has consistently emphasised that Nigeria’s future prosperity lies in expanding productive sectors beyond oil. Indigenous industries such as 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.

“Supporting these industries should therefore be viewed not merely as preserving tradition but as a strategic economic investment.”

Onuigbo, who is reputed as father of Nigeria’s Climate Change for sponsoring the nation’s signature legislation on Climate Change Act in 2021, poured encomiums on 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 that initiatives aimed at strengthening female entrepreneurship, improving access to finance, expanding vocational training and promoting locally manufactured 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 provided with modern production facilities, improved infrastructure, access to affordable financing, product standardisation, digital marketing opportunities and stronger linkages to domestic and international markets,” he said.

He called on the federal government, the 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 capacity building for artisans, technology upgrades, improved product branding, quality certification, export promotion and youth participation to ensure the preservation and expansion of the centuries-old craft.”

Commending the synergy between the federal government and subnational governments, Onuigbo praised 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 engagements capable of expanding the state’s economic horizon.

His words: “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.

“I encourage our people to continue supporting locally made products and preserving the values, culture and traditions that distinguish our communities. Economic development is strongest when it builds upon our local strengths, creativity and heritage.”

He noted that with deliberate policy support, strategic investment and sustained collaboration between government and the private sector, traditional industries such as Akwete weaving can evolve into globally recognised enterprise that creates wealth, expands employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda.