The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday, 23 April, 2026, in Kano, launched the North-west zone “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN) initiative spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology to boost economic growth, innovation, and industrial production.
In her address at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enhancing the commercial and industrial capacity of the nation.
“Nigeria has always been rich in creativity,”.she said.
According to the First Lady, the achievements the nation has recorded from the beginning of the current administration is enormous.
”From fintech to enterprise, the stories of our entrepreneurs prove what is possible when innovation meets opportunity. What we must do now is to bridge that gap by creating an enabling environment where ideas are supported, talent is nurtured, and innovation is given the platform it needs to thrive.
”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.
”This is not because the ideas are not good enough, but largely due to challenges common to emerging economies. Despite such limitations, Nigerian innovators still stand tall globally”.
She advised Nigerians to bridge the gap of limitations by creating an enabling environment where ideas are supported, talent is nurtured, and innovation is given the platform it needs to thrive.
According to her, with the launch of “Energise Commercialisation Now”, Nigeria will now pursue productivity, growth, and global leadership by effectively commercialising its vast research and innovation outputs across all sectors, regions, and demographics.
”This means we are committed to transforming ideas into tangible economic value, driving enterprise, creating jobs, and growing our GDP.
”Today’s gathering is a bold and necessary step in that direction.
This programme, ‘Energise Commercialisation Now’ (ECoN) is a strategic Federal Government intervention that signals Nigeria’s resolve to move beyond exporting raw potential to one that builds, funds, and scales up homegrown innovation for national development and global competitiveness”.
”I must also highlight the need to include everyone in this effort, especially women and young people. When new ideas grow in every part of society, we get more jobs, stronger families, and a more secure country”.
The First Lady, also applauded Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology for initiating the programme.
There were goodwill messages from the representative of the Ministry’s private sector partners on ECoN, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.
Their message bordered on the timeliness of the project and what it will do for the economic enhancement of the nation, providing youths and entrepreneurs opportunities on the global stage and the resoluteness of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s to make the nation a key player in Science and Technology worldwide.
As part of the push to enhance infrastructure across the nation, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu joined the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to inaugurate the ongoing construction of a 118km, Senator Oluremi Tinubu road project in Kano city, with a 14-month delivery timeline set for April 2026
