YACNL convenes policy dialogue in Lagos, pushes for youth innovation, inclusion

More than 100 young people, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs and development stakeholders gathered at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for 100 Voices: The Future Lab, a youth innovation and policy dialogue convened by the Youth Advisory Committee of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos (YACNL), in collaboration with One Young World West and Central Africa.

The event themed” 100 voices: The Future Lab (youth innovation and policy dialogue for sustainable future)” was built around the idea that young people should not only benefit from policies and programmes but also play an active role in shaping them, with discussions focusing on youth inclusion, access to opportunities, entrepreneurship, responsive policymaking and the need to translate dialogue into practical action.

The programme opened with remarks by Queen Uwabuofu, President of YACNL, who welcomed participants and explained the purpose of the gathering, designed by young people to encourage meaningful dialogue, collaboration and practical solutions.

Those in attendance included the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Frank Keurhorst; the Deputy Consul General, Peter Keulers; Sonia Odjie, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth and Health at the Consulate; and the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Olatunbosun Alake.

Youth leaders, founders, professionals and development practitioners from across Lagos also participated in the event.

In his welcome address, Keurhorst challenged the young participants to recognise that achieving the future they desire would require active participation, responsibility and a willingness to engage with institutions rather than remain on the sidelines.

He reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to meaningful youth engagement and creating platforms where young people could contribute ideas, challenge existing approaches and participate in discussions affecting their communities and futures.

Delivering the keynote address, Alake highlighted opportunities available to young people in Lagos State, particularly through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-focused programmes.

He also drew attention to existing grants and youth-support initiatives, encouraging participants to take advantage of the programmes and platforms available to them.

His remarks highlighted an issue that featured repeatedly during the event: although opportunities may exist, awareness, information and access remain critical. Young people need to know where to find these opportunities and how to position themselves to benefit from them, while institutions must continue working to make such opportunities more visible and accessible.

A major component of the programme was a panel discussion moderated by Dr Kieva Chris-Amusan, which brought together speakers from entrepreneurship, disability inclusion, wellness and business.

The discussion highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse experiences and perspectives into youth inclusion efforts with participants considering how sustainable development must account for different experiences, barriers and realities rather than rely on a single perspective.

One Young World also brought a regional dimension to the programme through Belinda Nkechi Idinmachi, Coordinating Ambassador for One Young World West and Central Africa, who delivered a goodwill message, followed by a spotlight panel featuring young leaders developing solutions within their respective sectors.

The programme subsequently moved to Future Lab Challenge, anchored by Mrs Omotoke Olugbode, where breakout sessions focused on Agriculture, Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Entrepreneurship and Employment, and Health. 

Participants were tasked with identifying problems in these sectors and working together to develop practical ideas and solutions which were subsequently presented to the wider audience, allowing participants from different professional and social backgrounds to examine challenges, exchange perspectives and build on one another’s ideas.

The discussions also emphasised the importance of institutions listening to young people, building partnerships and providing the support needed to turn credible ideas into workable solutions.

The organisers said this approach informed the Resource Sharing Session, facilitated by Ogunleye, which gave participants an overview of opportunities they could explore after the event.

The event ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Funmi Ajala, where she emphasized the importance of having the youth in the room to have these important discussions and she encouraged the youth to keep making efforts as the future is now and the future is theirs to shape with their actions.