The British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, has concluded a three-day working visit to Bayelsa State aimed at strengthening cooperation on community security, youth development, governance and women’s political empowerment.
The visit focused on the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme, locally known as the Brighter Futures Programme, which supports at-risk youth with skills development, mentoring and resilience-building initiatives to prevent recruitment into criminal networks.
According to the British High Commission, the programme has recorded an 80 per cent successful diversion rate and will transition fully to the Bayelsa State Government in March 2026.
During the visit, Mrs Lever met with Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to review progress and formally recognise him as a Prevent Ambassador in acknowledgement of his leadership and commitment to youth protection.
She also held discussions with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri, on advancing women’s political participation and strengthening support systems for women and girls.
The Deputy High Commissioner engaged civil society organisations including the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Civil Liberties Organisation, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers, among others, to discuss governance, civic participation and youth vulnerability.
Mrs Lever also paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, where discussions centred on traditional institutions’ role in sustaining peace and community cohesion.
At a community town hall in Amarata, the delegation interacted with beneficiaries of the programme, celebrating its impact in helping young people in Amarata and Amassoma gain marketable skills and pursue lawful livelihoods
The visit comes ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled State Visit to the United Kingdom on March 18–19, 2026 — the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years — expected to further strengthen UK–Nigeria relations
Speaking at the end of the visit, Mrs Lever said Bayelsa had demonstrated strong leadership in protecting young people and promoting inclusive governance, adding that the UK remains committed to advancing stability, women’s empowerment and community-driven development in the state.
