Oluremi Tinubu launches ECoN initiative in Kano

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Kano launched the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative, signalling a new phase in the Federal Government’s push to convert research outcomes into measurable economic value.

The initiative is structured to mobilise innovation, attract private and institutional investment, and accelerate industrial production across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. It is positioned as a practical framework to address long-standing gaps between research institutions and industry, particularly the limited commercialisation of locally developed ideas.

The launch, held under the theme “From Innovation to Industry: Energising Commercialisation,” underscores a deliberate policy direction aimed at linking academia, innovation hubs, and manufacturing ecosystems. The programme seeks to ensure that intellectual output from universities and research centres translates into scalable enterprises and market-ready solutions.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Tinubu said Nigeria remains rich in creativity and innovation, but noted that systemic bottlenecks have prevented many ideas from reaching the marketplace. According to her, ECoN is designed to remove these barriers by providing an enabling environment that supports talent development, innovation financing, and enterprise growth.

“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.

She added that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises industrialisation, digitalisation, and economic diversification. She also stressed the importance of inclusion, calling for stronger participation of women and youth in the innovation ecosystem as a pathway to national stability and sustainable growth.

In his remarks, Abba Yusuf described the launch as historic, noting that Kano’s selection reflects growing confidence in the state’s role as a hub for innovation-led development in northern Nigeria. He said the initiative would bridge the disconnect between research outputs and real-sector application.

“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.

Yusuf added that the programme complements ongoing investments by the state government in science, technology, and innovation, including digital infrastructure expansion and technical education reforms.

Also speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu, said ECoN is already gaining traction, with over 1,000 innovation entries recorded and early-stage investment commitments secured.

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

The ECoN initiative is expected to serve as a central platform for translating research into industry, with a focus on job creation, productivity growth, and long-term economic resilience.