First Lady Oluremi Tinubu launches national innovation commercialisation initiative in Kano
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu launched the Energise Commercialisation Now ECoN initiative in Kano, aiming to transform research and innovation into economic growth. The initiative seeks to mobilize innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across Nigeria's six geo-political zones. Mrs. Tinubu noted that many ideas from universities and innovation hubs fail to reach the market due to systemic challenges, and ECoN will address these by supporting talent and facilitating the transition of ideas into viable enterprises. She stated that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu's agenda for industrialization, digitalization, and economic diversification, promoting job creation and contributing to Nigeria's goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Mrs. Tinubu also called for greater participation of women and youth in the innovation ecosystem. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf described the launch as historic, highlighting Kano's role in leading innovation-driven development in northern Nigeria and connecting research outputs with market application. He noted the program aligns with the Federal Government's "Renewed Hope" agenda. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Kingsley Tochukwu stated that ECoN is designed to convert Nigeria's research into economic value, having already attracted over 1,000 innovation entries and initial investment commitments.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Air Peace and Etihad Airways have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity across Nigeria and West and Central Africa. This partnership will allow passengers to access more destinations with a single ticket. The agreement opens 20 destinations across Nigeria, West, and Central Africa to Etihad Airways’ passengers, while Air Peace customers will be able to connect to Abu Dhabi via Etihad’s Lagos and Accra services once they commence. Etihad passengers can travel beyond Lagos and Accra to Air Peace’s domestic and regional destinations, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri, Asaba, Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala, and Libreville. This collaboration supports Etihad’s African expansion, which includes a planned daily service between Abu Dhabi and Lagos. Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, stated that Nigeria is central to their long-term ambitions in Africa. Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, highlighted that the agreement extends their goal of opening doors for Nigerian and West African travelers. Combined journeys will be bookable on both airlines’ platforms once the agreement takes effect. This marks another international partnership for Air Peace, following agreements with Turkish Airlines and Emirates, as it continues to expand its global reach and aims to position Lagos as a major regional aviation hub.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA have initiated discussions to enhance cooperation in supporting victims of aircraft accidents and their families. This move aims to align Nigeria's emergency response framework with international aviation standards. The discussions, held in Abuja, involved the National Family Assistance Committee, coordinated by the NSIB, and NCAA officials. Both agencies focused on improving institutional coordination, building capacity, and implementing Family Assistance programs within Nigeria's aviation sector. Funke Arowojobe, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stated that the engagement with the NCAA sought to strengthen collaboration on aviation disaster victim and family assistance. Discussions covered the objectives of the Family Assistance Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO policy on assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families, and the roles of both NSIB and NCAA. Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for continuous training and retraining of personnel. Both agencies identified practical areas for collaboration, including joint capacity-building programs, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder sensitization, to establish clearer institutional procedures for supporting families affected by aviation accidents.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has started a nationwide operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate PET bottles under 200 milliliters. This action aligns with the Federal Government's ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of such alcoholic drinks. NAFDAC stated on X that enforcement is occurring across all six geopolitical zones, following the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities. The agency's enforcement teams are targeting markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to seize banned products. NAFDAC has warned all stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and retailers, to surrender any remaining stock of these products, emphasizing that continued possession or sale is illegal and will lead to seizure, sanctions, and prosecution. The public is urged to support this effort by avoiding banned alcoholic beverages and reporting offenders to NAFDAC.