By Nafisat Abdulrahman
As the exhibition and innovation showcase began on the 2nd day of the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) programme in Kano, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) displayed arrays of the Council’s outstanding innovation, research based products and technologies at its exhibition stand attracting significant attention at the event.
The RMRDC team, led by Director, Research Demonstration Plant Complex (RDPC), Dr. Obiageli Okafor, was present at the exhibition stand, engaging visitors and providing detailed information on the Council’s research-based products and technologies on display. The team also responded to enquiries and offered insights into the processes, applications, and commercial potential of the showcased innovations, attracting the interest of participants and stakeholders who explored the potential applications of the innovations on display.
Speaking during the second day of the programme, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), said activities had moved beyond speeches to practical engagement, with the assessment of research, innovation, and invention outcomes already underway.
He explained that experts are evaluating the innovations to determine their market readiness, identify gaps, and prepare them for possible linkage with investors.
You Might AlsoLike
The Minister added that selected innovations will progress to a national deal room where they will be presented to potential investors, noting that the initiative is designed to provide sustained support through a digital platform that connects innovators with funding and market opportunities.
At the exhibition, the RMRDC stand also received several high-profile visitors, including Executive Secretary, Zamfara Investment Promotion Agency, Mr. Mukhtar Nadama, who expressed strong interest in partnering with the Council.
During his visit, he was taken through some of the Council’s research innovations, particularly in the areas of sorbitol and starch production from cassava, as well as efforts to explore alternatives such as tacca starch.
He noted that he had previously engaged with the Council and reaffirmed his commitment to further collaboration, indicating plans to visit the RMRDC headquarters for more detailed discussions.
Speaking further, Mr. Nadama, said the state is exploring collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to unlock the industrial potential of its agricultural resources.
According to him, Zamfara is richly endowed with agricultural produce, most of which are currently utilised in raw form, stressing the need to convert them into value-added products for economic growth.
“We have a lot of agricultural products which, up until now, are just raw materials. We want to convert that potential into industrial wealth for the state so that more people can benefit from it,” he said.
He described the engagement with RMRDC at the exhibition as insightful, noting that it has opened up opportunities for collaboration in areas of value addition and industrial development.
Nadama also addressed concerns around insecurity, stating that while challenges exist, they are being actively managed, adding that partnerships with credible institutions like RMRDC would help boost investor confidence in the state.
“With our collaboration with RMRDC, and their credibility alongside ours, we believe investors will see that the situation is not as bad as it is often portrayed,” he added.
The ECoN initiative, introduced by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is aimed at bridging the gap between research and market by providing a structured pathway for the commercialisation of innovations.
The programme featured exhibitions, stakeholder engagements, and preparations for investor linkages through planned deal room sessions aimed at advancing the commercialisation of innovations.
