Ogah Calls for Global Recognition of Akwete Cloth, Women Empowerment at First Lady’s Abia Visit

Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, CON, a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development and President of Masters Energy Group, has called for the global promotion of Akwete cloth and increased investment in women as catalysts for economic growth, describing both as critical to Abia State’s development.

Dr Ogah made the remarks while delivering a goodwill address during the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State. Governor Alex Otti, the First Lady of Abia State, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Welcoming the First Lady to Akwete, Dr Ogah described the occasion as historic, noting that it marked the first time a Nigerian First Lady had officially visited the ancient Ndoki community.

He described Akwete as more than just a fabric, saying it represents the identity, heritage, creativity and economic resilience of the people. According to him, the renowned handwoven cloth, produced for generations by local women, deserves global recognition as a national symbol of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Dr Ogah urged stakeholders to leverage the visit to promote Akwete fabric beyond Nigeria’s borders, expressing confidence that the textile could become an internationally recognised symbol of the country’s rich cultural identity.

Speaking on governance, the former minister attributed the First Lady’s visit to what he described as the positive impact of good governance in Abia State. He said effective leadership attracts development and national attention, adding that the state’s recent progress has placed it in the national spotlight.

Dr Ogah also emphasised the importance of empowering women, describing them as the backbone of families, communities and the economy. He commended initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and weavers, stressing that investing in women translates into broader national development.

He praised the efforts of the First Lady of Abia State in promoting women’s development and encouraged continued support for programmes that improve the livelihoods of women across the state.

Dr Ogah expressed optimism about Abia’s economic potential, stating that the state’s cultural assets and entrepreneurial spirit could make significant contributions to Nigeria’s overall growth.

He thanked the First Lady, Governor Alex Otti and all guests for participating in the historic event for Akwete and Abia State, while expressing hope that the visit would open new opportunities for the promotion of Akwete cloth on the global stage.