…As First Lady Backs Programme
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, says it is exploring shared interests in youth development and women empowerment as a common ground to fast track implementation of the national programme ‘Energize Commercialization Now’, in collaboration with Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
This was made known by the Minister, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, who was at the presidential villa to brief the wife of the president on efforts to deliver the national programme, noting that leveraging her voice and platform is essential to achieving the presidential priority.
According to the Minister, the programme is designed to strengthen the innovation value chain by connecting universities, research institutes, innovators, industry players, and investors, facilitating the translation of promising scientific discoveries and indigenous technological inventions into scalable, market-driven products and enterprises.
“This is part of the presidential priorities of ensuring that we move Nigeria’s economy to a one trillion dollar GDP. This is not just economic growth, but inclusive and sustainable economic growth that will touch the lives of ordinary Nigerians down to the grassroots.
“‘Energize Commercialization Now’ will touch on individuals and institutions, individual researchers whose research outcomes or inventions are viable and can be commercialised”.
The Minister noted that the programme aligns with the broader economic transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, positioning science, technology, and innovation as critical drivers of national productivity and inclusive economic growth.
He further added that with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation, the initiative will empower youths, women, innovators, and researchers through targeted support for technology transfer, incubation, intellectual property development, and venture creation.
“The Mother of the nation, the First Lady, is the champion of this because of course this will involve the youths, the women whom the First Lady continue to advocate for”, Udeh said.