First Lady launches national innovation commercialization initiative in Kano

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, officially launched the Energize Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano on Thursday.

The initiative marked 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: Energizing Commercialisation,” signaled a strategic push to bridge the gap between ideas generated in research institutions and their practical application in industry.

Speaking at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu described Nigeria as a country rich in creativity and innovation.

She noted that many ideas developed in universities, innovation hubs and other Citadels of Higher Learnings, fail to reach the marketplace due to systemic challenges.

According to her, the ECoN initiative aimed to address the gaps created by surmountable challenges, while creating enabling environment that supports talent, nurtures innovation, and facilitates the transition of ideas into viable enterprises.

The First Lady maintained that the programme aligned with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes industrialisation, digitalization, and economic diversification.

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

Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized inclusivity in the innovation ecosystem, calling for greater participation of women and youth in the nation’s economic development.

According to her, broad-based involvement would strengthen families, enhance national security, and drive sustainable development.

While declaring the programme open, she said the initiative would begin in the North-West and expand across all geopolitical zones across the country.

Speaking at the event, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the launch as historic, noting that Kano’s selection as host state reflected confidence in the state’s capacity to lead innovation-driven development in northern Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf further stated that the initiative would help bridge the gap between research outputs and market application, enabling the transformation of academic ideas into commercial products and scalable enterprises.

He added that the programme aligned with the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which focuses on industrial growth, youth empowerment, and economic productivity.

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

He said the state is positioning itself as a hub for innovation-led industrialisation in the northern region.

Governor Yusuf also commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her contributions to Kano State development, including donations to education, support for vulnerable groups, and empowerment programmes for women, farmers, and persons with disabilities.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Kingsley Tochukwu, in his address, said the ECoN initiative was designed to convert Nigeria’s research outputs into economic value.

He described it as a “national commercialisation architecture” aimed at moving innovation from concept to capital and from prototype to prosperity.

He noted that the initiative would include technical sessions, investor-ready presentations, and “deal rooms” where innovators can engage directly with investors.

According to him, a digital platform is also being developed to connect researchers with industry players and provide ongoing technical and legal support.

The minister added that the programme has already recorded early progress, attracting over 1,000 innovation entries and securing initial investment commitments.

He said the initiative would be deployed across all regions, fostering collaboration among states and creating a networked national innovation ecosystem capable of driving economic transformation and global competitiveness.