Oluremi Tinubu launches North-West zone of ECON initiative, flags off road project in Kano

The First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Kano launched the North-West zone of the “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN) initiative, a Federal Government programme aimed at boosting innovation, industrialisation, and economic growth across the country.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is designed to accelerate the commercialisation of research outputs and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady said Nigeria’s strength lies in its creativity and innovative potential, noting that the administration has recorded significant progress since its inception.

“Nigeria has always been rich in creativity,” she said, adding that: “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.”

She noted that while innovative ideas continue to emerge from universities, innovation hubs, and among young Nigerians, many fail to reach full-scale implementation due to structural challenges.

“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 said.

Oluremi Tinubu explained that the ECoN initiative represents a shift toward converting ideas into economic value, job creation, and national development.

“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,” she said.