In a bold step towards reshaping Nigeria’s economic future, the Nigerian Exporters Hub (NEXHUB)—powered by Zeenab Foods Limited—hosted the impactful NEX-GEN Export Summit 2025, a two-day virtual gathering held on April 25–26. The summit united participants from all 36 states of Nigeria and the diaspora, signaling a nationwide movement toward youth inclusion in the global export economy.
A Wake-Up Call for Youth Engagement
The summit opened with a compelling keynote by Dr. Victor Ayemere Ph.D., Chairman of NEXHUB, who set the tone with the message: the future is not predicted, it’s created. In his session titled “Why This Summit Matters: Youth, Trade, and Transformation,” Dr. Ayemere urged young Nigerians to rise above distractions and engage actively in agriculture, entertainment, and export-related value chains.
“Stop waiting for the future to happen. Get up and create it,” he charged. Dismissing the old passive tune “Que Sera, Sera,” he called on youth to take ownership of their destiny through intentional action.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Hidden Export Potential
Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, delivered one of the summit’s most stirring addresses, “Strategies for Exporting Talent and Services.” Widely recognized for championing youth and women empowerment, Okotete emphasized Nigeria’s vast, untapped potential in agriculture, manufacturing, outsourcing, e-commerce, and more.
“Nigeria doesn’t lack talent—we lack strategy and execution,” she declared, encouraging youth to embrace capacity-building and seize global opportunities.
From Branding to Boldness: Practical Tools for Export Success
Participants also benefited from hands-on insights during Day One, including a session by Mrs. Kafilat Abimbola Ayeni, CEO of Bimkaf Palace Nigeria Limited, who focused on smart packaging and branding as keys to standing out in global markets.
Closing the first day, Mrs. Ibironke Ayemere, Group Executive Director at Zeenab Group, delivered an empowering message, urging youth to be bold, take action, and build sustainable legacies.
Day Two: From Vision to Execution
Day Two opened with a welcome address by Mr. Babatunde Faleke, Managing Director of NEXHUB, who celebrated the summit’s vibrant energy and reaffirmed NEXHUB’s mission to “handhold young entrepreneurs into export success.”
Mrs. Jennifer Maksat, Head of Operations at NEXHUB, expanded on how the platform provides structured support systems to help Nigerian youth access global markets with confidence.
The day continued with a series of high-impact expert sessions:
-
Dr. Alhaji Adamu Adamu, Group Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at Zeenab Group, delivered a powerful reminder that “It Begins With You”, underscoring the role of personal accountability in success.
-
Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo, CEO of 3T Impex, offered a practical roadmap in his session “Steps to Becoming a Successful Exporter,” emphasizing market research, partnerships, and credible information.
-
Mrs. Stephanie Okpanachi, Women’s Consultant on Youth Development, inspired participants with “The Business of Talent”, demonstrating how to monetize skills with strategy and consistency.
Interactive Sessions and Real Success Stories
Throughout the summit, participants enthusiastically engaged in interactive Q&A sessions, asking insightful questions about launching and growing export businesses. Inspirational testimonials from beneficiaries of NEXHUB programs fueled motivation, showcasing real stories of youth who have already tapped into global markets through the platform.
Shaping the Future, One Exporter at a Time
The NEX-GEN Export Summit 2025 didn’t just offer information—it sparked a movement. Nigerian youth left the event energized, export-ready, and determined to take their place on the world stage. With unwavering commitment, NEXHUB continues to serve as a launchpad for the next generation of exporters and innovators, ready to transform Nigeria’s economy from within.
