Remi Tinubu Heads to Kano for Three-Day Innovation Drive as ‘Energized Commercialization Targets Industrial Growth

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is set to visit Kano for a three-day programme aimed at boosting innovation and industrial development in the North-West region.

The visit, scheduled from March 23 to March 25, will feature the launch of the “Energized Commercialization Now” initiative, a flagship programme of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The announcement was made by Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, during a press conference on Thursday.

Waiya said the event would bring together key stakeholders from across government, academia, and the private sector. “The Federal and State governments, private sector stakeholders, governors and First Ladies from the North-West are all expected to participate in this important programme,” he stated.

He added that universities, polytechnics, research institutions, innovators, inventors, and manufacturers would also be actively involved in the activities lined up for the visit.

According to the Commissioner, the first day will feature the official launch by the First Lady, followed by a high-level panel discussion focusing on federal-state collaboration for innovation and industrialisation. “There will also be a mini exhibition showcasing selected innovations from the region,” he said.

The second and third days will focus on technical evaluation clinics, academia-industry roundtables, and the consolidation of an investment-ready innovation pipeline.

“The programme will culminate in direct engagement between innovators and investors, including the signing of Memoranda of Understanding,” Waiya explained.

Highlighting the expected outcomes, Waiya noted that the initiative would produce “a national innovation asset register capturing North-West innovations and a pipeline of investment-ready, commercialisable technologies.”

He further disclosed that the event is expected to facilitate investment deals and strengthen collaboration between industries and academic institutions, while also encouraging intellectual property registrations.

Expressing confidence in Kano’s role, Waiya declared, “Kano State is ready to lead Nigeria’s transition from an import-dependent economy to a production-driven, export-oriented industrial powerhouse.”

“With the support of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry, and all stakeholders, Energized Commercialization Now will unlock the innovative potential of our people and create lasting prosperity,” he added.