A renewed push for local production is gaining momentum as Nigerian youths are encouraged to rethink the popular “Japa” migration trend and embrace domestic industrialization at Genspark 2026, a high-impact entrepreneurial summit currently underway in Ibadan.
The five-day intensive programme, holding from March 17 to 21 at the iconic Liberty Stadium, is convening young innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders around the theme, “Local production as a backbone for thriving economies: Get involved.” Designed to drive what organisers describe as a “major mindset shift,” the summit combines practical training in production, leadership, and regulatory compliance with strategic mentorship.
The Seyi Makinde administration reaffirmed its commitment to youth-driven industrial growth, with representation by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi. Delivering the governor’s message, Adebisi underscored the centrality of local industry to economic expansion, noting that initiatives such as Genspark are critical to unlocking sustainable development.
“Oyo State is endowed with a vibrant and energetic youth population. With the right ecosystem—skills development, enterprise support, mentorship, and access to markets—our youths can transition from job seekers to job creators,” he stated.
In a complementary remark, Hon. Adeniyi Olabode, reiterated the government’s readiness to support the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the administration’s broader youth empowerment agenda.
Chief Convener, Abiodun Ajibade, described Genspark 2026 as a strategic intervention aimed at expanding non-oil economic opportunities. According to him, the project is rooted in years of entrepreneurial development efforts driven by Gleanforte Academy.
Ajibade noted that while many aspiring entrepreneurs possess the drive to start businesses, they are often hindered by limited understanding of operational frameworks and regulatory requirements. To bridge this gap, the summit facilitates direct engagement with key regulatory and support agencies including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, SMEDAN, and NAFDAC, simplifying pathways to both local and international market access.
A major highlight of the summit was a call by Abimbola Adebakin, who challenged participants to prioritize execution over ideation. “Ideas are useless until they are implemented,” she asserted, while outlining funding pathways ranging from family-backed “love rounds” to angel investment and grants. She stressed that sustainable growth depends on continuous skill development and value addition, warning that investors are quick to withdraw from ventures lacking innovation.
The summit has drawn strong institutional backing, with participation from notable figures such as Martins Emeje, Fidelis Ayebae, and Taofik Odukoya, reflecting growing cross-sector support for local enterprise development.
Addressing the socio-economic implications of migration, Simitat Akande cautioned against the allure of opportunities abroad. “The grass is not always greener on the other side. It is time for Nigerians to recognise that the grass is already green here,” she said, commending the initiative for equipping participants with practical tools for self-reliance.
Industry leaders including Abimbola Balogun and Yinka Afonja shared insights on scaling indigenous brands, while Bolanle Emmanuel reinforced the importance of production-led growth, describing local manufacturing as a “statement of economic independence.”
With additional contributions from Gbenga Adesina and S. O. Akande on business strategy and financing, the summit reinforces a unifying message: Nigeria’s long-term economic resilience lies in building a robust, self-sustaining industrial base powered by its youth.
As Genspark 2026 progresses, its core message continues to resonate—true prosperity may not lie beyond the borders, but in harnessing the vast opportunities within.
