First Lady restates govt’s resolve to nurture talents, support

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

FIRST Lady, Remi Tinubu on Thursday in Kano, stressed the resolve of the Federal Government to create an enabling environment that supports ideas, nurture talent and provide platform for innovation to thrive.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Energizcommercialisationnow’ at the Government House, Kano, she said the Federal Government will pursue productivity, growth and global leadership by effectively commercialising its vast research and innovative outputs across all sectors and regions and demographics.

“This means that we will be committed to translating ideas into tangible economic values, driving enterprise, creating jobs and growing our GDP.

She insisted that Nigeria is rich in creativity but regretted that “in our universities and among the youths, great ideas are being born every day but many of these ideas do not become real world solutions.

“This is not because the ideas are not good enough but largely due to the challenges common to emerging economies,” she explained.

Tinubu affirmed that despite the limitations, Nigeria innovators still stand tall globally, adding that the stories of Nigerian entrepreneurs has confirmed that so much can be attained when innovation meets opportunity.

Minister of Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, said unveiling of the ‘Energizcommercialisenow’ was a clear testament to the commitment of the Federal Government to deploy science, technology and innovation to drive the realization of a one- trillion dollar GDP economy for Nigeria

He explained that the idea of Energizecommercialisationnow was borne out of a critical national reflection, noting that for decades, Nigeria has produced brilliant research outcomes, ground breaking innovation and talented minds many of which were trapped in laboratories, research outcomes were really commercialized and inventors struggle to access markets and financing.

The North-west unveiling of Energisecommerclisenow was attended by several governors and deputies from the region as well as the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jilbrin.