A new two-month programme aimed at using sport to empower vulnerable young people and strengthen communities against crime has been launched across three Lagos local government areas.
The initiative is supported by UK charity Cleen Herts Community (CHC), the UK Home Office, TAG International, and the British High Commission in Lagos.
Running from September to November 2025, the programme will combine boxing and football coaching with life skills training and mentoring for young people in Ajeromi (boxing), Ikorodu (boxing and football), and Ifako Ijaiye (boxing).
The official launch took place at EliteBox Gym with training sessions have been flagged off in the three locations.
Local coaches are leading community-based activities designed to boost confidence, build resilience, and create positive opportunities for participants.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Simon Field, said the project points out the value of collaboration between international and local partners.
“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 CHC, Nikita Joshua, said sport remained a powerful tool for steering young people away from crime. “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,” she said.
Mr. Adekunle Lamikanra, Coordinator of the Ikorodu Crime Prevention Partnership, also welcomed the programme.
“This programme creates positive pathways for our young people by harnessing the power of sport. Football and boxing build resilience, instil discipline, and draw 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 said.
The programme builds on a pilot initiative held in March 2025, where more than 45 young people in Lagos showcased their boxing, football, and digital skills.
That event was supported by the British High Commission Lagos, EliteBox Fitness, TAG International, Cleen Foundation, and the Cyber Security Education Initiative (CYSED).
The new programme is part of the wider Serious and Organised Crime Prevent Programme, funded by the UK Home Office and implemented in Nigeria by TAG International.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike