First Lady launches North-West ECoN initiative, flags off 118km road project in Kano
…pushes innovation commercialisation for economic growth First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launched the North-West zone of the “Energize Commercialization Now” (ECoN) initiative in Kano on Thursday, as part of efforts to
...pushes innovation commercialisation for economic growth
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launched the North-West zone of the “Energize Commercialization Now” (ECoN) initiative in Kano on Thursday, as part of efforts to drive innovation, industrialization, and economic growth across the country.
The programme, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is designed to bridge the gap between research outputs and real-sector applications, focusing on transforming ideas into market-ready products and services.
Speaking at the launch, the First Lady said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Nigeria must move beyond raw potential to building a robust innovation-driven economy.
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According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady stressed that while Nigeria has always been rich in creativity, many ideas fail to translate into practical solutions due to structural challenges common to emerging economies.
“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,” she said.
According to her, the ECoN initiative aims to create an enabling environment where ideas are supported, talent is nurtured, and innovation can thrive, thereby unlocking productivity and job creation.
“With the launch of ‘Energize Commercialization Now’, Nigeria will now pursue productivity, growth, and global leadership by effectively commercializing its vast research and innovation outputs,” she added.
She explained that the program represents a strategic intervention by the Federal Government to scale up homegrown innovation, drive enterprise development, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
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The First Lady also emphasised inclusivity, urging stakeholders to ensure that women and young people are fully integrated into the innovation ecosystem.
“When new ideas grow in every part of society, we get more jobs, stronger families, and a more secure country,” she said.
She commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for initiating the programme.
In their goodwill messages, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau described the initiative as timely, noting that it would open up new opportunities for youths and entrepreneurs to compete on the global stage.
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They also reaffirmed support for the administration’s efforts to position Nigeria as a major player in science, technology, and innovation.
As part of her visit, Senator Tinubu, alongside Governor Yusuf, inaugurated the construction of a 118-kilometer road project in Kano metropolis named after her.
The project, with a 14-month delivery timeline ending in April 2026, is expected to improve infrastructure, ease transportation, and support economic activities in the state.
The event drew participation from government officials, private sector partners, and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
