UK, Bayelsa strengthen collaboration on security, youth and women empowerment

*Mrs. Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner, in Abuja, says her recent visit to Bayelsa State was part of the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime Prevent Programme, known locally as the Brighter Futures Programme, to strengthen UK–Bayelsa collaboration on community security, governance, youth development, and women’s political empowerment

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Mrs. Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner, in Abuja, FCT, has concluded a three-day working visit to Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, to strengthen UK–Bayelsa collaboration on community security, governance, youth development, and women’s political empowerment.

The British High Commission (BHC) Communications Office said Mrs. Lever’s recent visit was part of the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme, known locally as the Brighter Futures Programme.

It is noted the programme supports at-risk young people with skills development, mentoring and resilience-building to prevent recruitment into criminal networks.

According to BHC, the initiative, which has achieved an 80 percent successful diversion rate, is concluding its current phase March 2026, with full ownership transitioning to the Bayelsa State Government.

The UK Mission also described the development as a testament to the strong local leadership and commitment, that has defined the partnership from the outset.

Onyinye Madu, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at BHC, also stated that during the visit, the British Deputy High Commissioner met with Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, to review progress on the programme, and mark its successful conclusion.

The statement noted that in recognition of his outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to youth protection, the UK formally acknowledged Governor Diri as a “Prevent Ambassador”.

It equally indicated the meeting explored opportunities to sustain and expand the impact of the programme across additional local government areas and vulnerable communities, to ensure the gains achieved are built upon long into the future.

The delegation also engaged with Her Excellency Dr. Gloria Diri, the First Lady of Bayelsa State, focusing on advancing women’s political empowerment, strengthening leadership pipelines, and expanding support to women and girls across the state, the statement noted.

The BHC further stated that a key highlight of the visit was an interactive session with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), representing political, social and media interests.

It said they included the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organisations’ Forum (BANGOF), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Fringe Voices, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria.

The statement disclosed these organisations provided valuable insights on governance, civic participation, youth vulnerability and security trends.

They as well reinforced the CSOs’ long-standing role in promoting peace, accountability and inclusion in Bayelsa, noted the statement.

The Deputy High Commissioner also paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, and discussed traditional leadership’s vital role in sustaining peace, community cohesion and support for positive youth development.

The UK Mission said at a community town hall in Amarata, the SOC Prevent programme beneficiaries and stakeholders welcomed the delegation, celebrating how UK support has helped young people in Amarata and Amassoma to gain marketable skills and build brighter futures away from organised crime.

The visit also took place against the backdrop of a landmark moment in UK-Nigeria relations, said the BHC.

Tinubu set to make historic state visit to UK, says BHC

Meanwhile, the UK Commission has affirmed Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is billed to make a historic state visit to the United Kingdom 18–19 March 2026.

The Mission said his would be the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, and it would be hosted by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

The statement noted the President’s visit underscores the depth and ambition of the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership and the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

It stated the strategic partnership and ETIP reflect both countries’ commitment to driving sustainable growth, creating opportunities, and building a future of shared prosperity.

Speaking at the conclusion of the visit, the Deputy British High Commissioner Lever said: “Bayelsa continues to demonstrate strong leadership in protecting young people, promoting good governance, and strengthening community resilience.

“The Brighter Futures Programme has made a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people here.”

She asserted: “I am proud that its legacy will now be carried forward by the Bayelsa State Government.

“Our partnerships here remain essential to building safer, more inclusive and more prosperous communities.”

The statement added the UK remains committed to advancing long-term stability, women’s empowerment and community-driven development in Bayelsa through partnerships with government, traditional institutions, civil society and community groups.

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