Nigerian journalists who recently attended QNET’s flagship convention in Malaysia have called on the global direct selling company to ramp up its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and public awareness campaigns in Nigeria to counter widespread misconceptions about its brand.
The journalists, drawn from various media outlets, were part of a delegation sponsored by QNET to attend its international convention, V-Con 2024, in Penang, Malaysia.
They also toured the company’s global headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and visited Quest International University, gaining insight into QNET’s operations, products, and corporate culture.
Speaking during a virtual experience-sharing session, the journalists said the trip significantly reshaped their views of QNET, revealing a well-structured and ethical business—far removed from the negative reputation it faces in Nigeria.
Assistant Editor at The Nation, Precious Igbonwelundu, said while she had reported on QNET locally, she was astonished by the scale and professionalism of the organisation at the Spice Arena in Penang.
“What I saw was beyond anything I expected. Thousands from India, the Philippines, Africa, and the Middle East were present—driven, passionate, and united in purpose. These weren’t employees but independent entrepreneurs,” she said.
Igbonwelundu noted that QNET operates with a high level of accountability, citing its compliance unit, exams for representatives, and partnerships with law enforcement. However, she urged the company to invest more in community initiatives in Nigeria.
“They should replicate CSR projects like the School for the Blind support in Ghana here in Nigeria. That would significantly help shift perceptions,” she added.
Kayode Bakare, Group Head of Programs at Rhythm FM, praised QNET’s decision to invite journalists from across Africa to experience its operations. He said the V-Con convention, which drew over 8,000 participants, showcased the company’s vast international presence.
He encouraged QNET to increase its media visibility. “Radio and TV can help build credibility. Nigerians need to hear from real people behind the brand,” Bakare said.
Peter Oluka, Editor of TechEconomy.ng, shared a personal takeaway from the event, saying he connected with QNET not just professionally but emotionally and intellectually.
He also commended the company’s CSR activities across Africa, including in Ghana and Nigeria, and advised it to sustain and expand such efforts.
Another journalist from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Fumilola Gboteku said she had strong reservations about QNET before the trip but returned with a new perspective. “Everything I had heard on social media painted QNET as a scam, but during the media rounds, I saw a structured compliance system with a zero-tolerance policy for unethical behaviour”, she said.
According to her, the company’s partnership with law enforcement agencies and public awareness campaigns was commendable, adding that “a few bad actors have damaged the brand image. QNET must be more aggressive in separating itself from them”.
Royal Ibeh of Business Day said the trip gave her the opportunity to seek the truth and correct long-standing assumptions. “We owe our readers facts, not rumours. I met real distributors, saw real products, and interviewed people who had their lives transformed through the QNET platform”, she said.
She urged journalists to balance their reports by seeking clarification from the company when misinformation arises. “Every big organisation has its challenges, but that should not define the whole. QNET is doing a lot to protect its name and needs our support in setting the record straight, she added.
QNET’s representative, Ayokunmi Solesi, said the media session was organised as part of the company’s commitment to transparency, storytelling and long-term engagement in Nigeria.
He said the company remains focused on empowering people through entrepreneurship and creating platforms for growth and ownership, especially in a country like Nigeria where jobs are scarce.
“We are here to build trust through real voices and honest conversations”, he added.
