UNGA 2026: Abia Govt Seeks Global Recognition For Akwete 

The First Lady of Abia State, Priscilla Otti, has restated the Alex Otti-led administration’s determination to position Akwete as a globally recognised textile while preserving the traditional knowledge and skills behind it.

Delivering the keynote at Made in Abia at UNGA: From Craft to Commerce, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and organised by the Black History & Lifestyle Awards (BHLA), Mrs. Otti described Akwete as the state’s cultural identity and craftsmanship, passed down through generations of women.

She recalled the contribution of Dada Nwakata to the history of Akwete weaving and stressed the need to protect the patterns, techniques and knowledge of the craft, as artificial intelligence and factories increasingly reproduce traditional designs.

“Technology should serve Akwete. It should never take from Akwete and erase Akwete from the story,” she said. “We must modernise and expand Akwete around the hand, not instead of the hand.”

Mrs. Otti said the planned modern Akwete weaving and research centre would bridge the gap between generations and between tradition and technology, documenting patterns and training young weavers. She added that by linking Akwete with the manufacturing strength of Aba, the fabric could become clothing, shoes, bags, accessories and interiors for local and international markets.

She also called for the standardisation and certification of authentic Akwete to ensure quality, traceability and consumer confidence, without losing the creativity and individuality of the women who weave it. “Heritage may make someone notice Akwete once. Quality is what will make them come back,” she said.

The ultimate goal, she said, is for the value created from Akwete to reach the women and communities who preserved it.

The event, which featured an Akwete fashion showcase, a documentary, panel discussions, and the Abia State Investment Deal Room, was attended by the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, and the First Lady of Osun State, Titilola Adeleke.