First L&D Hangout of 2026 in Lagos: Where Learning Meets Energy, Strategy, and Community
The L&D landscape is evolving quickly, making a reactive approach no longer sustainable. Professionals increasingly need access to insight, community, and systems that support continuous growth, and OLxD is building that ecosystem.
On Saturday, April 25th, 2026, in Lagos, the OLxD Community hosted its first L&D Hangout of the year, bringing together over 60 Learning and Development professionals from diverse industries for an afternoon that blended insight, connection, and genuine fun.
Hosted at the Notch HR space in Ikoyi, Lagos, the environment was intentionally designed to feel less formal and more like a safe, energizing ecosystem where professionals could pause, reflect, and reconnect with both their purpose and their peers. From the moment attendees arrived, the experience encouraged openness, beginning with casual board games and informal networking that broke down barriers and sparked authentic conversations. It reinforced a simple idea: meaningful professional relationships are built in human-centered spaces, not rigid environments. This flowed into a welcome address and structured engagement activities that helped participants connect more intentionally.
The highlight of the day was the expert session led by Dr. Adetutu Ogunbiyi, CHRO of Notch Software Limited, who delivered a session on “Continuous Improvement Mindset – Improving Processes and Value.” Her message challenged a long-standing perception: HR and L&D are no longer administrative functions but strategic drivers of business value.
She encouraged participants to rethink how learning initiatives are designed and implemented, moving away from linear training models toward adaptive systems that anticipate resistance, account for failure points, and respond to real-world complexities. Drawing on the popular series Money Heist, she referenced the strategic thinking of “The Professor” to illustrate how every successful strategy must account for setbacks, disruptions, and human unpredictability. The message was clear: L&D professionals must not just design learning, but design for uncertainty.
As the day progressed, conversations continued organically over refreshments, with participants exchanging ideas, sharing challenges, and exploring opportunities within the L&D space. The Hangout also provided deeper insight into OLxD’s vision and its growing lineup of programs across Nigeria and Africa, positioning the community as more than a network but as a platform shaping how L&D professionals think and operate.
Participants left with clearer direction on building resilient learning systems, practical insight into continuous improvement, and stronger connections with peers navigating similar challenges. More than that, there was a renewed sense of purpose and belonging within a community that understands the depth and responsibility of L&D work.
This was reflected in attendee feedback, which consistently highlighted both the quality of the learning experience and the strength of the connections made. Many emphasized the value of engaging in meaningful, industry-relevant conversations, while also appreciating the balance of insight, networking, and interactive moments throughout the day. For several first-time attendees, the Hangout stood out as a “10/10” experience, with strong interest in future editions. A recurring theme was the importance of community, as being in a room with like-minded professionals felt both intellectually refreshing and personally reassuring.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners Notch HR, Hucap, and Zannoza Entertainment for their collaboration and support in delivering this experience.
More Hangouts are planned across the year, including editions beyond Lagos, as OLxD continues to expand its impact across Africa. Organizations interested in partnering on upcoming initiatives can reach out via partnership@olxd.org.
The future of L&D will be shaped by those who design for change and act with intention, and OLxD is contributing to that future.