UK launches sports initiative for youth empowerment, grassroots security in Lagos

*The United Kingdom Government activates a new two-month programme across three Local Government Areas of Lagos State, using sports to empower vulnerable young people, and strengthen communities against crimes

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has activated a new two-month programme across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos State, using sports to empower vulnerable young people and strengthen communities against crimes.

The launch was a partnership between UK charity Clean Herts Community (CHC), the UK Home Office, TAG International, and the British High Commission in Lagos.

ConsumerConnect reports the UK Government said the Prevent programme is an approach to tackling serious and organised crimes.

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Others are Pursue, Protect and Prepare. Prevent methodology looks to prevent or deter people from engaging in SOC by raising awareness of the consequences of SOC and developing techniques, skills and opportunities to deter people from continued criminality.

The programme, running from September to November 2025, will provide boxing and football coaching alongside life skills training and mentoring to young people in selected areas.

These include 1.) Ajeromi – Boxing; 2.) Ikorodu – Boxing and Football; and 3.) Ifako Ijaiye – Boxing.

The initiative was officially launched at EliteBox Gym on 15 September, with training sessions now underway across the three Local Government Areas.

Onyinye Madu, British High Commission Communications (BHC) Office/ Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, in a statement Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, also disclosed the local coaches would deliver regular community-based sessions.

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The BHC said the sessions were designed to build confidence, develop skills, and create positive opportunities for participants.

Speaking at the launch, Simon Field, British Deputy High Commissioner, said: “The UK is proud to support this initiative alongside CHC and TAG International.

“This programme demonstrates how international and local partnerships can provide young Nigerians with the tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive, and build local communities that are resilient against crime.”

In his remarks also, Nikita Joshua, Director of CHC, said: “We are excited to return to Lagos after our successful pop-up earlier this year.

“Sports has the power to transform lives, instil discipline, and provide young people with alternatives to crime.

“This programme is about showing young people that hard work, resilience, and sincerity can open up brighter futures.”

Mr. Adekunle Lamikanra, Coordinator of Ikorodu Crime Prevention Partnership (CPP), equally stated: “This programme creates positive pathways for our young people by harnessing the power of sport.

“Football and boxing build resilience, instil discipline, and draws them away from the streets.”

Lamikanra said: “Just as important are the mentoring sessions which speak directly to their minds and help them resist negative influences such as cultism and cybercrime.

“With continuous funding and support, programmes like this must remain a constant in our communities to safeguard our youths and to build a better future for all.”

Genesis of programme

Earlier March 2025, CHC launched its first international giveback in Lagos, where over 45 young people showcased their boxing, football, and digital skills.

The event, supported by partners including the British High Commission Lagos, EliteBox Fitness, TAG International, Cleen Foundation, and Cyber Security Education Initiative (CYSED), demonstrated the positive impact of structured youth engagement.

Building on the success recorded, the September–November 2025 programme will extend CHC’s reach and deepen its engagement at the grassroots across Lagos communities, the statement noted.

The BHC further stated the initiative is part of the wider Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme, funded by the UK Home Office and implemented in Nigeria by TAG International.

For more information, Nigerians are urged to visit https://www.facebook.com/BrighterFuturesNigeria/.

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