The Nigerian Exporters Hub (NEXHUB), powered by Zeenab Foods Limited, has successfully hosted the transformative NEX-GEN EXPORT SUMMIT 2025, a two-day virtual event held on April 25 and 26, dedicated to igniting a new era of youth participation in the global export economy.
The event hosted both virtual and physical participants from all 36 States of Nigeria, as well as Nigerians in diaspora, underscoring the widespread reach and impact of the summit.
The summit commenced with a powerful keynote by Dr. Victor Ayemere, Chairman of NEXHUB, who delivered an inspiring session titled “Why This Summit Matters: Youth, Trade, and Transformation.” In a passionate address, he challenged Nigerian youth to resist distractions on social media platforms and instead focus on creating their futures through deliberate action in agriculture, entertainment, and export-linked value chain.
Dr. Ayemere made reference to the old song ‘Que Sera, Sera’, rejecting its passive message and reminding participants that the only way to predict the future was by creating it through intentional effort and strategic action.
Also speaking, Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, delivered a rousing and impactful presentation titled “Strategies for Exporting Talent and Services”. Hon. Okotete, widely regarded as one of the foremost voices championing youth and women’s inclusion in economic development, challenged participants to rethink their approach towards employment and entrepreneurship.
She passionately emphasised that Nigeria is blessed with abundant, untapped potential across various sectors — including agriculture, value-added manufacturing, recycling, outsourcing, e-commerce, and more. In a clear call to action, she urged young Nigerians to roll up their sleeves, get to work, and build capacity that would enable them to succeed not only locally but also on the global stage. Her strategic advice and real-world examples resonated strongly with the audience, setting a high bar for the level of engagement and practical implementation expected following the summit.
The first day also featured a practical session from Mrs. Kafilat Abimbola Ayeni, CEO of Bimkaf Palace Nigeria Limited, who spoke on “Smart Packaging and Branding: Making Nigerian Products Stand Out Gl”. She highlighted the critical importance of presentation and strategic branding in securing international market access.
The day closed with an empowering charge from Mrs. Ibironke Ayemere, Group Executive Director, Corporate Services at Zeenab Group, who urged the youth to seize the opportunities presented and take bold steps toward building a sustainable future.
Day two continued the momentum with a resounding welcome address from Mr. Babatunde Faleke, Managing Director of NEXHUB, who celebrated the vibrant participation and reaffirmed NEXHUB’s commitment to handholding young entrepreneurs through their export journeys
Mrs. Jennifer Maksat, Head of Operations at NEXHUB, expanded on this vision, offering a detailed overview of how NEXHUB’s structured platforms are designed to help Nigerian youth successfully access international markets with their products and services.
Expert-led sessions followed, each reinforcing the summit’s strong action-oriented theme. Dr. Alhaji Adamu Adamu, Group Executive Director, Strategy and Operations at Zeenab Group, delivered a powerful message titled “It Begins With You,” stressing that personal responsibility is fundamental to success.
Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo, CEO of 3T Impex, provided a detailed, practical session on “Steps to Becoming a Successful Exporter,” highlighting the importance of credible information, market research, and strategic partnerships.
For her part, Mrs. Stephanie Okpanachi, Women Consultant on Youth Development, closed the sessions with a motivational talk on “The Business of Talent: Monetizing Skills and Expanding Opportunities,” underlining that talent combined with strategy and consistency is the formula for sustainable growth.
Throughout the two-day event, participants actively engaged during the interactive question and answer sessions, posing insightful questions on starting, scaling, and thriving in the export space. Inspiring testimonials from young Nigerians who have benefited from NEXHUB’s programs further energized the sessions, with many sharing success stories of accessing new markets and building export-driven businesses.
The NEX-GEN EXPORT SUMMIT 2025 has successfully sparked a new wave of export-ready, motivated Nigerian youth poised to make their mark globally. NEXHUB remains committed to being a trusted guide, empowering the next generation of exporters and innovators.
