Businessman Champions Youth Community Empowerment

An academic business expert and CEO of the Initiative for the Development of the Next Generation (NEXTGEN), Chinedu Samuel, has been recognised for empowering youth and fostering economy and community development in Nigeria and beyond.

Through NEXTGEN, Chinedu has consistently shaped lives and uplifted communities. His expertise in leadership, program management, and social development has positioned him as a key figure in driving impactful initiatives.

Dr. Chinedu’s remarkable journey reflects dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to transformative change. His contributions to youth empowerment, community development, and leadership training continue to inspire future generations.

Dr. Chinedu is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators, Nigeria, and holds certification in Basic Conflict Management from the National Peace Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria.

His extensive knowledge and professional experience have established him as a respected authority in academia and the development sector.

His commitment to faith-based leadership and community transformation is also reflected in his years of service as a minister of the Gospel. From 1995 to 1999, he served as the Resident Pastor of Victory Chapel, Imo State, where he provided spiritual leadership, evangelized the community, promoted moral values, counseled members, and oversaw church administration.

In 2003, he joined the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa’s Church of God Mission International Inc., where he rose to the rank of Resident District Presbyter and continued his ministerial duties until 2008. His leadership roles fostered the spiritual development of members and strengthened community engagement.

Dr. Chinedu’s passion for education is evident in his teaching experience. Between 1995 and 1997, he served as a Senior Government and Class Teacher at the National Secretarial College, Nsu, Imo State. In 2002, he continued his teaching career at Future Leaders’ Academy, Ewu, Esan, Edo State, playing a pivotal role in shaping young minds. He continues to teach at various platforms to this day.

Since 2007, Dr. Chinedu has been committed to youth and community development through NEXTGEN, which was formally incorporated in Nigeria in 2011. As programmes/project director from 2009 to 2016, he led program development, documentation, and team management, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission. He also supervised project planning, execution, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.

In his capacity as executive director, Dr. Chinedu has driven organisational strategy, drafted policies, managed daily operations, overseen budgets, reported on financial performance, and engaged stakeholders. His leadership has expanded NEXTGEN’s impact in education, health, skills acquisition, community development, and talent nurturing, including projects supported by the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation, the European Union, and the World Bank.

Among the projects he successfully managed are the European Union-ACT funded Maternal & Child Health Project (2021–2022), which trained primary healthcare workers in Orhionmwon LGA, Edo State, and the TY Danjuma Foundation-funded Maternal & Child Health Projects (2020–2022), which provided training for healthcare workers across Edo State.

In 2012, he facilitated the establishment of a community library in Ewu, sponsored by the TY Danjuma Foundation. He also spearheaded entrepreneurship conferences in tertiary institutions in 2009, empowering students with business and leadership skills. His expertise extends to training, public speaking, and international engagements.