Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, will lead a nationwide campaign to promote local inventions under a programme of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology tagged “Energise Commercialisation.”
The minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, disclosed this during a visit to the first lady at the State House, Abuja.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the minister said the visit was to inform her of the ministry’s decision to have her serve as the champion of the Energise Commercialisation Programme.
He explained that the initiative aims to move Nigeria from a technology-importing nation to a technology-innovating nation.
According to the minister, the programme will strengthen the capabilities of youths, particularly those who have commercially viable inventions and innovations.
Udeh said the programme has already commenced sensitisation efforts and will be taken across all states of the federation, led by the First Lady.
He added that the ministry plans to reach people across different segments of society in order to identify innovative ideas and inventions.
“We will be going to schools, at all levels, nooks and crannies of the states, to reach even the unlettered that have such inventions and innovations. We have the brains, and we will be helping them achieve their goals,” he said.
“Nigeria cannot be left out of the world technology revolution.”
The minister noted that the meeting with the First Lady, held behind closed doors, signals the imminent commencement of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s Energise Commercialisation programme, with youths and women predominantly targeted.
