The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said the rich heritage of Nigerians should be preserved for posterity and prosperity.

According to a statement by her media wife, Busola Kukoyi, she made this during her visit to Akwete in Abia State, the production site of the historic local hand-woven Akwete fabric.

The First Lady said that the tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, adding that they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation.

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"Our young people also need to be encouraged to get used to our tradition and cultural outfits".

"It is the culture that raised me, and there is nowhere that I stand in the world without wearing African wear".

"These women, while they hold their craft very dear, it is a spiritual thing for them, one of the good things that I saw, were young people in their families doing the exact thing"

"I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture tells us who we are, the moment we lose that, we won't remember where we come from."

Senator Tinubu added that the craft was passed down from generation to generation, which she commended.

"It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, endurance, and that should not be desecrated. When we saw a building there, we said we would lift the structure". "We can build on it, which will tell the story".For the women of Akwete, I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo that they should take Akwete to the nations. For all the notable sons of Igbo land and me, rise to preserve this".

Subsequently, the First Lady donated N2 billion to the State for the development of the Akwete production site in Abia State.

The First Lady had earlier been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ugo Nwanyi of Abia.

She was received at the historic production site of the hand-woven Akwete fabric by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, traditional rulers from across the State, notable politicians, clergy men and women, among others.