Ikpeazu, Family Take Akwete Fabric to Spain
By Enyinnaya Appolos
Weeks after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched a major initiative to revive and promote the historic Akwete weaving industry, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and members of his family have taken the campaign beyond Nigeria’s borders.
In a deliberate demonstration of cultural pride and support for locally made products, the Ikpeazu family chose outfits made from Akwete fabric for the activities marking the Ambassador’s presentation of his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain at the Royal Palace of Madrid on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The family’s decision transformed an important diplomatic occasion into a powerful platform for projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. At an event attended by members of the diplomatic community and other distinguished guests, Akwete fabric was presented not merely as clothing but as a symbol of Nigerian creativity, identity and indigenous enterprise.
Explaining the family’s decision, Dr Ikpeazu said:
“As Governor of Abia State for eight years, I devoted considerable time and effort to promoting Made-in-Aba products, including wearing and showcasing Akwete fabric from Ndoki. I believed that I had a responsibility to represent and promote what our people are known for.
“When I saw the First Lady visit Ndoki and give the promotion of Akwete fabric greater national attention, I felt that, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, it was only fitting for me to join her in advancing the campaign. By wearing Akwete here in Spain, my family and I are helping to introduce this important symbol of our cultural heritage to an international audience.”
Akwete, located in the Ndoki area of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, is internationally renowned for its distinctive handwoven fabric. Produced predominantly by women using skills passed down through generations, the textile is celebrated for its intricate patterns, rich colours and deep cultural significance.
The Ikpeazu family’s choice followed Senator Tinubu’s July 2026 visit to Abia State, during which she championed the revival of the Akwete weaving industry and announced a ₦2 billion intervention to support women involved in producing the fabric. The initiative was designed to expand production, empower local weavers, preserve the traditional craft and position Akwete fabric for greater national and international recognition.
By wearing the fabric in Madrid, Dr Ikpeazu and his family gave practical expression to the campaign to promote Nigerian-made products. Their action demonstrated that the revival of Akwete must go beyond speeches and financial interventions: influential Nigerians must also wear it, showcase it and introduce it to international audiences.
The initiative also reflects Dr Ikpeazu’s longstanding commitment to the promotion of indigenous enterprise and the Made-in-Aba philosophy he championed while serving as Governor of Abia State. His diplomatic assignment in Spain now offers another opportunity to project Nigerian products, creativity and investment potential across Europe.
For Akwete weavers, the family’s appearance in the fabric represents valuable international visibility. Every Akwete outfit worn at a prominent global event tells the story of the women whose hands sustain the centuries-old tradition and draws attention to the economic possibilities within Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
Through this decision, the Ikpeazu family sent a clear message from Madrid: Nigerian culture is worthy of global celebration, Nigerian products are suitable for the world’s most prestigious occasions, and Akwete fabric deserves a distinguished place in international fashion.
From the looms of Akwete to the diplomatic circles of Madrid, an indigenous Abia fabric has begun another important journey to the world.
