UK-Led Sports and Mentorship Program Launched in Lagos to Engage Vulnerable Youths

Strategic Insights -

A new sports and mentorship program, launched by the UK government, has been initiated in Lagos to engage vulnerable youths through sports and life skills training. The two-month program, running from September to November 2025, is part of the UK Home Office's wider Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme in Nigeria. The program aims to prevent crime by providing young people with alternative paths and building resilience, discipline, and positive opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The program, launched in partnership with Clean Herts Community (CHC) and TAG International, will engage young people in sports like boxing and football, combined with life skills training in three Lagos State Local Government Areas: Ajeromi, Ikorodu, and Ifako Ijaiye.
  • The program will provide participants with life skills training, including building resilience, discipline, and positive opportunities, to prevent crime and engage young people.
  • The initiative is part of the UK Home Office's wider Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme in Nigeria, aimed at preventing crime and engaging young people in positive activities.
  • Ajeromi will focus on boxing, Ikorodu will focus on boxing and football, and Ifako Ijaiye will focus on boxing.
  • The program was officially launched at EliteBox Gym on 15 September 2025, with training sessions now underway.
  • The UK's British Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Field, emphasized the importance of international and local partnerships in providing young Nigerians with tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive.
  • Nikita Joshua, Director of CHC, noted that sport has the power to transform lives, instil discipline, and provide young people with alternatives to crime.
  • Adekunle Lamikanra, Coordinator of Ikorodu Crime Prevention Partnership (CPP), stressed the long-term impact and potential of the program to safeguard the youth and build a better future.

Statistics:

  • The program will run for two months, from September to November 2025.
  • The program will engage young people in three Lagos State Local Government Areas: Ajeromi, Ikorodu, and Ifako Ijaiye.
  • The program will provide participants with life skills training, including building resilience, discipline, and positive opportunities.
  • The program was officially launched on 15 September 2025.

Sources:

  • "UK-led sports and mentorship program launched in Lagos to engage vulnerable youths" (Source not explicitly provided in the text)
  • The UK government and Clean Herts Community (CHC) press release on the initiative (Source not explicitly provided in the text)
  • Simon Field's quote on international and local partnerships (Source not explicitly provided in the text)
  • Nikita Joshua's quote on the power of sport (Source not explicitly provided in the text)
  • Adekunle Lamikanra's quote on the long-term impact (Source not explicitly provided in the text)