The Federal Government has officially launched the Energise Commercialisation initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products and services.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kinsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the initiative shows the government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s innovation potential and driving economic growth through research and development.

Dr. Udeh explained that dignitaries and global partners are expected to converge on Kano from across Nigeria and beyond to participate in the programme. He noted that the gathering reflects the growing interest in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the need to connect local talent with international opportunities and partnerships.

According to the minister, Nigeria is not lacking in ideas but has historically struggled with converting those ideas into revenue-generating ventures. He said the Energise Commercialisation programme is designed to bridge that gap by supporting innovators through the process of developing viable, market-driven solutions.

He further stated that the initiative will extend beyond its initial technical sessions in the North-West geopolitical zone. “After the North-West phase, we will move to other geopolitical zones to ensure nationwide participation,” Dr. Udeh said, emphasizing the Federal Government’s plan to make the programme inclusive and far-reaching.

The minister disclosed that more than 1,000 entries have already been received from innovators across the country. He added that the Federal Government is working in collaboration with regional governors to strengthen participation and ensure that promising ideas are identified and supported at the grassroots level.

Dr. Udeh highlighted the role of young women in the programme, noting that their innovative efforts will be nurtured and positioned for success in the marketplace. He said the initiative is focused on equipping participants with the tools and support needed to compete effectively in both local and global markets.

Describing the programme as a strategic investment, the minister said the government is committed to funding and developing innovation-driven projects that can generate economic value. He added that Energise Commercialisation is designed to stimulate a surge in viable research outcomes and practical innovations.

He also noted that the government is anticipating strong engagement from captains of industry, who are expected to play a key role in mentoring participants and supporting the commercialisation of research outputs. According to him, this collaboration will help bridge the gap between academia, innovation, and industry.

Dr. Udeh revealed that Kano State has recorded the highest number of entries so far, making it a natural choice for the national launch of the programme. He described Kano as Nigeria’s ancient commercial hub, adding that its historical and economic significance makes it an ideal host city.

He further explained that the choice of Kano was influenced by the support of the state government, particularly in providing logistics and enabling a conducive environment for the event. The minister commended the Kano State Government for its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Udeh said the programme is focused on building a sustainable platform that connects innovators, investors, and policymakers. He noted that contingents from the seven North-Western states have already arrived in Kano and set up their pavilions, showcasing a wide range of innovative ideas and projects.

He described Energise Commercialisation as a multi-stakeholder initiative anchored by the Federal Government, with strong institutional support at regional and state levels. According to him, the programme includes facilitation committees that will oversee implementation and ensure effective coordination.

The minister added that state governments have been tasked with identifying and nurturing talent from local government areas, ensuring that innovation opportunities are not limited to urban centres. He stressed that the inclusion of grassroots participants is critical to the success of the initiative and the overall development of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Those that jointly attended the briefing are the state commissioner for information Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya and the Kano state ALGON chairman Hajiya Saadatu Yushau who is also the chairman of Tudun Wada Local Government area .

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 vehicles and 287 motorcycles to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the Kano North Senatorial District as part of efforts to support grassroots empowerment.

The beneficiaries include APC local government chairmen, their secretaries and other party stakeholders in the district.

Barau, who spoke through the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Sagir Takai, said the intervention was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the vehicles and motorcycles were meant to ease economic hardship and improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

According to him, the initiative is part of his continued interventions in human and capital development in Kano North, adding that more programmes would follow.

“This is not the first time we are carrying out such an intervention, and it will certainly not be the last,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Professor Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, described the gesture as a capital-intensive intervention aimed at lifting beneficiaries out of poverty and promoting self-reliance.

He said Kano North was fortunate to have a leader committed to initiatives that stimulate development and improve living standards.

Abdullahi also urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them productively to generate income.

Similarly, Barau’s media aide, Shittu Madaki, said the items were carefully distributed to selected beneficiaries, noting that more empowerment programmes were in the pipeline.

Also speaking, Takai, a former governorship candidate in Kano State, said the intervention reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level, aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of constituents.

Since his election as the Deputy Senate President on 2024 Senator Barau Jibrin has been empowerimg his constituents on self reliance and capital support to small scale industrialists

The One Kano Agenda wishes to commend His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, as the decision is strategic move that reflects foresight, inclusiveness, and commitment to effective governance.

We wish to note that, the nomination aligns with the broader vision of strengthening governance through experienced leadership capable of bridging policy direction and grassroots realities.

It is our belief that, Governor Yusuf’s decision has demonstrated a clear understanding of the political and administrative demands of the state, emphasizing that leadership at such a critical level requires competence, loyalty, and a deep connection with the people.

“The nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a commendable step toward consolidating governance and enhancing administrative coordination. It reflects a deliberate effort by His Excellency to prioritize capacity and experience in advancing the state’s development agenda

As we observe, Hon. Garo’s track record in public service and political engagement, positions him as a valuable asset in supporting the Governor’s vision for sustainable development and responsive governance.

One Kano Agenda therefore wishes to call on stakeholders across political divides to rally behind the nomination, stressing that unity and collective responsibility remain essential for achieving long-term progress and stability.

We urge political actors to embrace collaboration over division, noting that the success of governance ultimately depends on shared commitment to the welfare of the people.

We wish to reaffirm our support for the administration, and we pledge our continued advocacy for policies and decisions that promote inclusiveness, institutional strength, and improved service delivery across Kano State.

We equally express confidence that the nomination will further strengthen governance structures and contribute positively to the realization of the administration’s developmental objectives.