By Usman Usman Garba
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the North-West Energize Commercialization Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano State, with a strong focus on improving access to reliable energy and strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressed the state government’s commitment to supporting the initiative, noting that it aligns with Kano’s policy of building a technology-driven economy.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad.
The launch ceremony, held at the historic Coronation Hall in Kano, brought together top government officials, lawmakers, and development partners in a strategic effort to boost economic productivity across the North-West region.
In her address, Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated that the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to addressing energy challenges facing businesses, particularly SMEs, which remain critical drivers of economic growth and job creation.
She emphasized that improved and sustainable access to energy is essential for enhancing productivity, supporting entrepreneurship, and accelerating overall economic development.
The First Lady further noted that Nigeria is rich in creativity, with innovative ideas emerging daily from universities, research institutions, innovation hubs, and its youthful population.
Despite existing challenges, she said Nigerian innovators continue to excel globally, especially in sectors such as fintech and enterprise development.
According to her, the initiative is expected to drive enterprise development, create employment opportunities, and boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She also stressed the need for inclusivity, calling for increased participation of women and youth in the innovation ecosystem.
In his welcome address, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended the Federal Government for selecting Kano as the host for the North-West launch, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s development priorities.
He noted that the programme would significantly enhance commercial activities, support local industries, and improve the livelihoods of citizens across the state.
The governor assured of his administration’s full support to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the initiative, stressing that no economy can grow without innovation, science, and technological advancement.
The event concluded on a positive note, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the programme would deliver huge benefits in energy access, enterprise development, and economic growth across the region.
Governors from North-Western states also endorsed the initiative and pledged their full support.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State; Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State; the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency; and the incoming Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, among others.
