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By Tracy Moses
A former Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Oyo State chapter, Pharmacist Abiodun Ajibade, has urged Nigerian youths and entrepreneurs to resist the growing “Japa” trend and instead explore the vast economic opportunities available within the country.
Ajibade gave the advice on Tuesday in Ibadan at the opening of GenSpark 2026: Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment Summit and Ibadan Business Exhibition, where he stressed that Nigeria remains a land of untapped potential despite its socio-economic challenges.
According to him, the increasing influx of foreign investors into Nigeria presents significant opportunities that young people and business owners can leverage, rather than seeking greener pastures abroad.
“There are a lot of opportunities in Nigeria which our youths can tap into instead of nursing ambitions to travel abroad. We must take advantage of the opportunities that foreigners are trooping into Nigeria for on a daily basis,” he said.
Ajibade, who is the Project Lead and Chief Convener of the summit organised by Gleanforte Academy, noted that the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at tackling unemployment, poverty and insecurity through entrepreneurship development.
He emphasised that government alone cannot provide all the jobs and basic services required by the population, stressing the need for individuals and the private sector to play active roles in driving economic growth.
Highlighting the theme of the summit, “Local Production as a Backbone for Thriving Economies: Get Involved,” Ajibade called for stronger support for locally made products, noting that increased local production is key to job creation and national development.
“Our younger generation have become dissatisfied with the state of the nation and are seeking to leave the country. But we are here to provide hope and direction, and to show them that opportunities abound here at home,” he added.
The week-long event, which runs from March 17 to 21 at the Indoor Games Hall of the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, features masterclasses, business clinics, mentorship sessions, and exhibitions aimed at equipping participants with practical skills for business success.
Ajibade explained that the programme focuses on capacity development, industrial skills acquisition, entrepreneurial mindset shift, regulatory compliance, and networking opportunities to help participants build sustainable ventures.
He further disclosed that over 2,000 locally manufactured products are being showcased at the exhibition to promote Nigerian brands, enhance visibility, and encourage patronage of indigenous goods.
The event attracted over 1,200 participants, including entrepreneurs, corps members, unemployed youths, professionals and small business owners.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Commerce, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi; the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Dr. Adebowale Akande, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kolawole Badmus; Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Oyedapo Idowu Richard; Pharmacist Abimbola Adebakin; State Manager of SMEDAN, Mrs. Iyabo Ojogbede; State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Ola Peter; and Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Oyo State chapter, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, among others.
Ajibade expressed optimism that the summit would inspire a shift in mindset among young Nigerians from job-seeking to job creation, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved living standards across the country.