Oluremi Tinubu unveils FG industrialisation programme in Kano

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Kano launched the Energise Commercialisation Now initiative, marking a major step in the Federal Government’s drive to transform research and innovation into economic growth.

The initiative, Energise Commercialisation Now, is designed to mobilise innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The launch, held under the theme “From Innovation to Industry: Energising Commercialisation,” signals a strategic push to bridge the gap between ideas generated in research institutions and their practical application in industry.

Speaking at the event in Kano on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu described Nigeria as a country rich in creativity and innovation, noting that many ideas developed in universities and innovation hubs fail to reach the marketplace due to systemic challenges.

She said the ECoN initiative aims to address these gaps by creating an enabling environment that supports talent, nurtures innovation, and facilitates the transition of ideas into viable enterprises.

According to her, the programme aligns with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises industrialisation, digitalisation, and economic diversification.

“The initiative will promote job creation, boost productivity, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term goal of achieving a one trillion-dollar economy,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu emphasised inclusivity in the innovation ecosystem, calling for greater participation of women and youth across the country.

She said broad-based involvement would strengthen families, enhance national security, and drive sustainable development.

In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, described the launch as historic, noting that Kano’s selection as host reflects confidence in the state’s capacity to lead innovation-driven development in northern Nigeria.

“The initiative will help bridge the long-standing disconnect between research outputs and market application to enable transformation of academic ideas into commercial products and scalable enterprises,” he said.

According to him, the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which focuses on industrial growth, youth empowerment, and economic productivity.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to strengthen science, technology, and innovation, including investments in digital infrastructure and technical education.

The governor appreciated the First Lady for her contributions to Kano State, including donations to education, support for vulnerable groups, and empowerment programmes for women, farmers, and persons with disabilities.

Also speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu, said the ECoN initiative was designed to convert Nigeria’s research outputs into economic value.

He said the programme has already recorded early progress, attracting over 1,000 innovation entries and securing initial investment commitments.

“The launch underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic development,” he added.