Bukola Afeni
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday launched the North-West zonal rollout of the “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN) initiative in Kano, a federal programme aimed at boosting innovation, economic growth, and industrial production.
The initiative, driven by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, seeks to bridge the gap between research ideas and market-ready solutions, while enhancing Nigeria’s commercial and industrial capacity.
Speaking at the event, Oluremi said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is designed to unlock the country’s innovation potential.
“Nigeria has always been rich in creativity,” she said. “From fintech to enterprise, the stories of our entrepreneurs prove what is possible when innovation meets opportunity.”
She, however, noted that many ideas fail to translate into real-world solutions due to systemic challenges.
“In our universities, innovation hubs, and among our energetic youth, great ideas are being born every day. Still, many of these ideas do not become real-world solutions,” she said, attributing the gap largely to constraints faced by emerging economies.
The First Lady said the ECoN initiative will focus on transforming innovation into economic value.
“This means we are committed to transforming ideas into tangible economic value, driving enterprise, creating jobs, and growing our GDP,” she said.
Describing the programme as a strategic intervention, she added that it reflects Nigeria’s resolve to move beyond “exporting raw potential” to building and scaling homegrown innovation for global competitiveness.
Tinubu also stressed the need for inclusivity, urging greater participation of women and youth.
“When new ideas grow in every part of society, we get more jobs, stronger families, and a more secure country,” she said.
She commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for initiating the programme.
In separate goodwill messages, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau described the initiative as timely, noting its potential to expand opportunities for youths and entrepreneurs and strengthen Nigeria’s position in science and technology.
As part of activities during her visit, the First Lady, alongside Governor Yusuf, also flagged off the construction of a 118-kilometre road project in Kano, named after her, with a 14-month completion timeline set for April 2026.
