Maureen Okpe
A new UK-supported youth empowerment initiative using boxing and football to combat crime and build stronger communities has officially launched across three Local Government Areas in Lagos.
The two-month programme, running from September to November 2025, is being delivered in Ajeromi, Ikorodu, and Ifako Ijaiye by UK charity Clean Herts Community (CHC), in partnership with the UK Home Office, TAG International, and the British High Commission in Lagos.
The programme according to a statement by the Commission, will offer regular community-based sports sessions alongside life skills training and mentoring, targeting vulnerable young people at risk of involvement in cultism, cybercrime, and other forms of criminality.
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The statement noted that, local coaches will lead the sessions, helping participants build confidence, discipline, and resilience through structured boxing and football activities.
In Ajeromi and Ifako Ijaiye, the programme focuses on boxing, while Ikorodu will host both boxing and football sessions. The initiative officially kicked off on 15 September 2025 at EliteBox Gym in Lagos, with training sessions now fully underway in each community.
Speaking at the launch event, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Simon Field, said the initiative represents a powerful example of international and local collaboration aimed at youth empowerment.
“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,” he said.
Director of Clean Herts Community,Nikita Joshua, described the programme as a return to the heart of Lagos following their successful pop-up event earlier in March 2025.
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She 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.”
Coordinator of the Ikorodu Crime Prevention Partnership (CPP),Mr Adekunle Lamikanra praised the programme’s dual focus on physical training and mental development.
The local community leader stated that, “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.
“Just as important are the mentoring sessions which speak directly to their minds and help them resist negative influences such as cultism and cybercrime.”
He added, “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.”
This latest initiative forms part of the broader Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme, funded by the UK Home Office and implemented in Nigeria by TAG International.
The Prevent programme is one of four pillars alongside Pursue, Protect, and Prepare designed to tackle serious and organised crime. It focuses on early intervention, community-based awareness, and providing young people with alternative paths through education, training, and mentorship.