The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is scheduled to inaugurate the Federal Government’s “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN) initiative in Kano State, as preparations intensify for the national rollout and North-West zonal launch of the programme.
The Kano State Government confirmed the development on Thursday, noting that the event will take place between April 23 and 25. The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said Kano was selected to host both the national inauguration and regional deployment because of its status as a major commercial and industrial centre.
Waiya explained that the initiative, driven by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems, attracting investment, and boosting industrial production across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
According to him, the programme is expected to convene policymakers, private investors, innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and international development partners to explore opportunities for industrial growth and technological advancement.
He said the three-day engagement will open with stakeholder mobilisation, followed by innovation exhibitions and assessments, while the final day will focus on investment matchmaking sessions designed to connect inventors with potential funders.
Waiya added that the initiative will also support innovators through intellectual property guidance, access to financing, and pathways for commercialisation of research outputs.
He expressed optimism that the programme would help bridge the gap between research and market application, stimulate job creation, expand local manufacturing capacity, and position Nigeria for stronger export-led economic growth.
According to him, the “Energise Commercialisation Now” initiative is expected to unlock creative potential across the country and contribute to long-term economic transformation.