No fewer than 5,000 young Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs are expected to converge at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, from March 17 to 21, 2026, for the landmark GENSPARK 2026 Summit, a weeklong industrial engagement aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and curbing youth migration, popularly known as the “Japa Syndrome.”
The summit, which will feature a massive exhibition of over 2,000 locally manufactured products, is designed to equip participants with practical production, leadership and regulatory skills required to build sustainable enterprises and strengthen the nation’s industrial base.
The initiative received a major boost following the announcement by WellaFitta Resources Limited of a social intervention programme to sponsor the registration fees of 2,000 young entrepreneurs for the summit.
The sponsorship, according to the company, is targeted at ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent promising youths from accessing specialised industrial and entrepreneurial training.
Speaking on the intervention, a representative of WellaFitta Resources Limited, Pharm. (Mrs.) Jooda, said the company is committed to promoting a self-reliant healthcare and manufacturing value chain through strong local production.
She noted that the sponsorship aligns with the firm’s desire to encourage young Nigerians to take responsibility for the nation’s future through productive engagement and capacity development, adding that the summit would serve as a platform for ideas capable of evolving into actionable policies and strategic partnerships.
The GENSPARK 2026 Summit will host prominent industry leaders and professionals who will mentor participants on practical business pathways.
Confirmed speakers and facilitators include the Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Prof. Martins Emeje; Chairman of Fidson Healthcare PLC, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae; Co-founder and Executive Director of So Fresh, Abimbola Balogun; and Founder/CEO of Vanguard Pharmacy Ltd., Taofik Odukoya.
Others are Founder/CEO of Advantage Health Africa, Abimbola Adebakin; Chairman/CEO of ACE Mall, Yinka Afonja; The Billionaires Consultant, Gbenga Adesina; and the Project Lead and Chief Convener of the summit, Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, FPSN.
Ajibade, who is also the Team Lead of GleanForte Academy Limited, described the partnership with WellaFitta Resources Limited as a critical support to government efforts at stimulating youth participation in the productive sector.
While acknowledging the global success of Nigerian youths in information technology and entertainment, he stressed the urgent need for greater youth involvement in manufacturing and production to guarantee long-term economic stability.
According to him, “The lack of confidence and entrepreneurial skills required for creating and sustaining solutions to the gaps in our nation is at the root of many misguided decisions by youths. This summit is structured to cause a major shift in mindset from consumption to local production.”
A major highlight of the event will be a large-scale industrial exhibition showcasing over 2,000 locally produced items, including household goods, beauty and personal care products, renewable energy solutions, and indigenous crafts.
The exhibition is expected to provide visibility, market access and networking opportunities for exhibitors.
Participants will also undergo specialised clinics on regulatory compliance, including steps for registering products with relevant regulatory agencies, in order to meet international standards and explore export opportunities.
Organisers disclosed that logistics and security arrangements have been concluded to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all attendees and exhibitors.
Interested participants and exhibitors are advised to register and book exhibition booths via the official portal:www.GleanForteAcademy.com.
