Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has pledged ₦2 billion to the Abia State Government (in southeastern Nigeria) to support the development and preservation of Akwete fabric, a centuries-old hand-woven textile produced by women in the Akwete community using cotton, raffia, and silk on vertical looms. The donation, announced during a visit to Ukwa East Local Government Area, is intended to develop the Akwete production site, create jobs, and help sustain the craft for future generations. The gesture is significant for an industry that local authorities have been working to modernise since 2023, with the state government seeking to integrate technology and expand the fabric's reach into global markets.