First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is set to inaugurate the Federal Government’s “Energize Commercialization Now” (ECoN) initiative in Kano.
The announcement follows preparations by the Kano State Government to host the national rollout and North-West Zonal deployment of the programme.
Addressing newsmen on Thursday in Kano, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the high-profile event is scheduled from April 23 to 25.
Waiya explained that the initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, was designed to “mobilize innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across the six geo-political zones.”
He further said that Kano was chosen to host both the national inauguration and North-West deployment in recognition of its strategic position as a commercial and industrial hub.
“The event will place Kano State and the entire North-West geopolitical zone at the forefront of Nigeria’s innovation-driven economic transformation.
“The programme will bring together federal and state officials, investors, innovators, research institutions, manufacturers, and international partners to explore opportunities in innovation and industrialization,” he said.
According to him, the three-day event will feature political mobilization on the first day, innovation exhibitions and evaluation on the second day, and investment-focused deal rooms on the final day.
He said the initiative aimed at bridging the gap between research and market by identifying viable innovations, linking inventors with investors, and providing support such as intellectual property advisory and access to finance.
Waiya expressed confidence that the programme would drive job creation, boost local manufacturing, and position Nigeria for export-led growth.
“Energize Commercialization Now will unlock the innovative potential of our people and create lasting prosperity,” Mr Waiya said. (NAN)
