The United Kingdom has reinforced its strategic partnership with Bayelsa State following a high-level working visit by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, underscoring deepening cooperation on security reform, youth resilience and women’s political empowerment.
Lever’s three-day visit centred on consolidating gains recorded under the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme—locally known as the Brighter Futures Programme—which targets vulnerable young people at risk of recruitment into criminal networks.
Officials said the initiative has achieved an 80 per cent diversion rate, equipping participants with vocational skills, mentorship and psychosocial support designed to redirect them toward productive livelihoods. With the programme’s current phase concluding in March 2026, full ownership will transition to the Bayelsa State Government, marking a significant step in institutionalising crime prevention efforts at the state level.
During talks with Governor Douye Diri, the Deputy High Commissioner reviewed the programme’s impact and explored avenues for expansion into additional local government areas and high-risk communities. In recognition of his sustained commitment to youth protection and crime prevention, the UK formally designated Governor Diri as a Prevent Ambassador.
The delegation also met with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri, to discuss advancing women’s political participation and strengthening leadership opportunities for women and girls. Conversations focused on expanding support systems that promote inclusive governance and long-term social stability.
Engagement with civil society formed a key component of the visit. Representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil Liberties Organisation and International Federation of Women Lawyers shared perspectives on governance, youth vulnerability, media responsibility and community security trends. Participants emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between government and civic actors in safeguarding peace and accountability in the Niger Delta.
Mrs Lever also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom. Discussions highlighted the critical role of traditional leadership in fostering community cohesion, mediating local tensions and supporting positive youth engagement.
At a town hall meeting in Amarata, beneficiaries of the SOC Prevent Programme recounted how skills training and mentorship had opened new economic opportunities, steering them away from organised crime. The event showcased tangible outcomes in communities such as Amarata and Amassoma, where youth empowerment initiatives are gaining momentum.
The visit comes ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to the UK on March 18–19, 2026—his first since assuming office and the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. The visit, hosted by Charles III and Camilla at Windsor Castle, is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties under the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework.
Speaking at the end of her visit, Mrs Lever praised Bayelsa’s proactive approach to youth protection and inclusive governance.
“Bayelsa is demonstrating that with strong leadership and community collaboration, young people can be empowered to choose opportunity over crime. The progress here provides a model for sustainable, community-driven security reform,” she said.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting long-term stability, women’s empowerment and grassroots development in Bayelsa through partnerships spanning government institutions, traditional authorities and civil society organisations.
