Nigeria’s First Lady launches national innovation commercialisation initiative in Kano 

Oluremi Tinubu
Oluremi Tinubu

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Thursday officially launched the Energised Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano, marking a major step in the federal government’s drive to transform research and innovation into economic growth.

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, Senator Tinubu described Nigeria as a country rich in creativity and innovation, adding 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.

She stated that the programme aligns with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises industrialisation, digitalisation, and economic diversification.

She added that the initiative would promote job creation, boost productivity, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term goal of achieving a one trillion dollar economy.

Tinubu added that inclusivity in the innovation ecosystem calls for greater participation of women and youth.

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

Declaring the programme open, she said the initiative would begin in the North-west and expand across all geopolitical zones of the country.

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