For years, the phrase “direct selling” has usually been met with raised brows, or the speedy change of topic.
But on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during QNET’s exclusive webinar themed “Beyond VCON: Media Insights from VCON 2025”, a group of Nigerian journalists sought to challenge that instinct with first-hand experiences from the company’s V-Convention in Penang, Malaysia.
The webinar, held via Zoom, brought together journalists, editors, and media executives who attended QNET’s flagship convention, a global event that hosted over 10,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from more than 50 countries.
The webinar was a post-convention reflection space for participants to share their experiences, discuss lessons on ethical business practices, and explore the future of direct selling within Nigeria’s digital economy.
Moderated by Thelma Ilems, the webinar featured seasoned journalists Sulaiman Aledeh, Adeyemi Adepetun of The Guardian, and Juliet Umeh of Vanguard Newspaper. Also present was Ayokunmi O. Solesi, QNET’s general manager for sub-Saharan Africa.
Ayokunmi O. Solesi, in his comments, outlined QNET’s three guiding pillars: empowerment, community, and innovation. He described the convention as “a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose,” adding that QNET’s mission goes beyond selling products.
“QNET isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building responsibly, sharing success stories selflessly, and ensuring we lift others as we grow,” Solesi said. “That’s what true entrepreneurship means, creating opportunities, adding value, and helping others rise.”
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He also noted that QNET’s Gold Stevie Award for Consumer Protection stands as proof of its commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. Solesi further hinted at new product innovations aimed at enhancing wellness and improving energy and balance without addiction.
Describing the event as “not a make-believe session, but an avenue to relive and recount authentic experiences from Malaysia,” Thelma stressed that QNET’s purpose was to give room for transparency, ethics, and the real essence of direct selling.
Sulaiman Aledeh, sharing his experience, spoke about QNET’s innovation and product quality. “Never in the life of anyone have we seen one company with so much all about elevating,” he said. He commended QNET’s product range, from skincare to air purifiers, and urged Nigerians to embrace the direct selling opportunity.
Journalists’ Firsthand Experiences
Recounting his trip, The Guardian’s Adeyemi Adepetun described VCON 2025 as “a sublime experience.” He further noted: “The hospitality was awesome. From the airport to the hotel, everything was well-coordinated.”
He commended the sheer scale of the event, attended by over 10,000 people, and expressed admiration for QNET’s efficiency and product innovations in wellness and energy solutions.
“There is an unusual energy around me since returning,” he added, referencing QNET’s pendant and wellness patch products.
Adepetun also acknowledged the company’s collaboration with Nigerian regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to tackle misinformation and fraudulent activities in the direct selling space.
For Vanguard’s Juliet Umeh, the experience was equally memorable. She spoke about QNET’s authenticity, saying, “If you were there, you would know that QNET is real,” she stated, stressing that the public must end the act of speaking without facts.
She spotlighted the company’s collaboration with local authorities and regulators to ensure ethical practices. Sharing a lighter moment, she recalled the hospitality and cultural exposure: “The Malaysians made us feel at home. The food, the people, even the driver, everyone made sure we didn’t frown for once.”
Juliet also highlighted how QNET’s philosophy of “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind (RYTHM)” translates into its empowerment and wellness initiatives. She applauded the company’s wellness-focused products, including the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, Amezcua Bio Disc 3, Q Alive, and E-Guard, which she said help consumers mitigate radiation exposure, restore energy balance, and promote healthy living.
Both journalists described visits to Penang Hill, Quest International University, and QNET’s product exhibition, where they saw firsthand how technology and wellness intersect in the company’s portfolio.
Addressing Industry Misconceptions
During the Q&A session, a participant asked how QNET addresses public scepticism about direct selling. Responding, Solesi explained that the company continues to engage with institutions like the EFCC and the Nigerian Police Force to fight fraud and misinformation.
“We’re not into recruitment; we sell real products that people benefit from,” he said, reaffirming QNET’s stand against Ponzi schemes.
He added that QNET’s growing partnerships with regulators and the media are part of its mission to promote ethical entrepreneurship and restore public trust in the direct selling industry.
In her closing statements, Thelma commended QNET and Newmark for sustaining open dialogue with the Nigerian media. “This webinar reinforces what we already know, transparency and storytelling go hand in hand,” she said. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about empowering.”
“It gets better each time. We should do a revisit; I think we all deserve another round of VCON,” Sulaiman Aledeh stated.
Since beginning operations in Nigeria in 2022, QNET has continued to drive empowerment through initiatives such as FinGreen, which promotes financial literacy, and partnerships with orphanages including Little Saints Orphanage and Babe Salaam.
Participants agreed that engagements like the Beyond VCON webinar are essential for strengthening transparency, building public trust, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Africa’s growing direct selling ecosystem.
