Youth Dialogue in Lagos Focuses on Innovation and Inclusion for a Sustainable Future

On October 14, 2026, more than 100 young people, policymakers, and entrepreneurs came together at the Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, called “100 Voices: The Future Lab,” was organized by the Youth Advisory Committee of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos (YACNL) and One Young World West and Central Africa.

The gathering aimed to ensure that young people not only benefit from policies but also actively shape them. Discussions focused on youth inclusion, access to opportunities, and the importance of turning dialogue into action.

Queen Uwabuofu, President of YACNL, welcomed participants and emphasized the need for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Among those present were Frank Keurhorst, the Consul General of the Netherlands in Lagos, and Hon. Olatunbosun Alake, the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.

Keurhorst encouraged young attendees to engage with institutions and take responsibility for their futures. He reiterated the Consulate’s commitment to fostering youth engagement and creating platforms for young voices.

In his keynote speech, Alake highlighted various opportunities available to young people in Lagos, especially in innovation and entrepreneurship. He pointed out the importance of awareness and access to these opportunities, urging participants to utilize available resources.

The event included a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Kieva Chris-Amusan, which addressed the need for diverse perspectives in youth inclusion efforts. Participants also engaged in breakout sessions focused on sectors like Agriculture and Renewable Energy, where they collaborated to identify problems and propose solutions.

The program concluded with Dr. Funmi Ajala thanking everyone for their participation and encouraging youth to continue shaping their future through active involvement.