By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Abubakar Abba Bello, has charged Nigerian youth and women to focus on new opportunities within the non-oil value chains.
Bello who gave the advice on Tuesday during an impactful session organized by the Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the event was part of an ongoing initiative designed to foster direct engagement between policymakers and citizens under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He also lauded the National Youth Leader of the APC, Dr. Dayo Israel for initiating the interactive session which focused on educating young Nigerians, especially women, about the vast financing and entrepreneurial opportunities available within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Nigeria’s non-oil sectors.
According to Bello, there is need to emphasize greater youth participation in the critical sectors which are paramount for sustainable economic growth and long-term national development.
“True success in business often comes when people invest in areas they are genuinely passionate about,” Bello noted. “Whether it’s agribusiness, services, the creative industry, or solid minerals—there is room for growth. NEXIM has a strong presence and offers support across all these value chains.”
The NEXIM boss urged young people to channel their energy, innovation and creativity into ventures that not only agree with their interests but also contribute to national export initiative.
“What I want to appeal to the youth to do—and what I strongly encourage—is to invest where your heart is. Whether that’s in agriculture, processing, or the creative industries, you’re more likely to succeed when you’re passionate about what you do,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, reassured of his commitment to bridging the gap between citizens and government, even as he explained that the initiative was conceived out of concerns from young Nigerians and women who often feel separated from the process of policy making.
He said, “Many of our citizens, especially youth and women, have expressed frustration over limited access to policymakers. That’s why we launched this programme—to bring citizens and government representatives together for meaningful engagement”.
The National Youth Leader also further assured that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the voices and needs of Nigerian youth are heard and addressed in every sector.
