Former lawmaker and President of GLOBE Legislators International, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has said the recent visit of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the historic Akwete weaving community in Abia State and her N2 billion intervention for the expansion of the indigenous textile industry would accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s cottage industries and support the country’s economic diversification drive.

Onuigbo said the First Lady’s visit to Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State demonstrated the Federal Government’s recognition of the economic potential of indigenous industries in creating jobs, empowering communities and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

In a statement on Tuesday, the former member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency described the visit as a practical expression of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to inclusive economic development, women’s empowerment and grassroots enterprise.

He noted that the centuries-old Akwete weaving tradition remained one of Nigeria’s finest indigenous textile industries with significant potential to generate employment, attract tourism and increase non-oil exports if adequately supported.

According to him, the First Lady’s engagement with local weavers and community leaders underscored the importance of promoting locally made products, preserving cultural heritage and expanding economic opportunities for women through skills development and enterprise.

Onuigbo said the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda of diversifying the economy by strengthening productive sectors beyond oil through investments in small and medium-scale enterprises.

He added that indigenous industries such as Akwete weaving could strengthen rural economies, create sustainable jobs and position Nigerian cultural products competitively in regional and international markets.

The former lawmaker, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, 2021, also commended the First Lady’s continued advocacy for women, saying greater access to finance, vocational training and support for locally manufactured products would deliver lasting economic benefits.

He called on the Federal Government, Abia State Government, development partners, financial institutions and private investors to develop a comprehensive value chain for the Akwete textile industry through improved infrastructure, technology upgrades, quality certification, branding, export promotion and youth participation.

Onuigbo also praised Governor Alex Otti for creating an enabling environment that attracted strategic national engagements capable of expanding Abia State’s economic prospects.

He expressed confidence that the First Lady’s visit would attract fresh investment into the Akwete weaving industry and inspire similar interventions in other indigenous industries across the country, saying sustained collaboration between government and the private sector could transform traditional enterprises into globally competitive industries that generate wealth and employment while supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.