The United Kingdom has strengthened its strategic engagement with Bayelsa State following a high-level working visit by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, reinforcing cooperation on security reform, youth resilience and women’s political empowerment.
Lever’s three-day visit focused on consolidating gains under the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme, locally branded as the Brighter Futures Programme. The initiative targets vulnerable youths at risk of recruitment into criminal networks.
According to officials, the programme has recorded an 80 per cent diversion rate, equipping participants with vocational skills, mentorship and psychosocial support to redirect them toward sustainable livelihoods. With the current phase set to conclude in March 2026, full ownership of the initiative will transition to the Bayelsa State Government, a move described as a critical step toward institutionalising crime prevention mechanisms at the state level.
During discussions with Governor Douye Diri, the Deputy High Commissioner reviewed the programme’s impact and explored possible expansion into additional local government areas and high-risk communities. In recognition of his commitment to youth protection and crime prevention, the UK designated Diri as a Prevent Ambassador.
The delegation also met with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri, to advance conversations on strengthening women’s political participation and broadening leadership pathways for women and girls. Deliberations centred on inclusive governance and long-term social stability.
Civil society engagement featured prominently during the visit. Representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil Liberties Organisation and International Federation of Women Lawyers shared insights on governance, youth vulnerability, media responsibility and security trends in the Niger Delta. Participants underscored the need for sustained collaboration between government institutions and civic actors to safeguard accountability and peace.
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 role of traditional institutions in community mediation, cohesion and constructive youth engagement.
At a town hall meeting in Amarata, beneficiaries of the SOC Prevent Programme shared testimonies on how skills acquisition and mentorship had expanded their economic opportunities and steered them away from organised crime. The session showcased tangible results in communities such as Amarata and Amassoma, where youth-focused interventions are gaining traction.
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, to be hosted by Charles III and Camilla at Windsor Castle, is expected to reinforce bilateral relations under the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework.
Speaking at the conclusion of her visit, Lever commended Bayelsa’s 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 sustained collaboration with government agencies, traditional institutions and civil society organisations.
