A new two-month sports program aimed at empowering vulnerable youth and strengthening communities against crime has been launched in three Lagos Local Government Areas.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between UK-based charity Clean Herts Community, the UK Home Office, TAG International, and the British High Commission in Lagos.
The programme, running from September to November 2025, will provide boxing and football coaching alongside life skills training and mentoring to young people in Ajeromi – Boxing, Ikorodu – Boxing and Football and Ifako Ijaiye – Boxing
The initiative was officially launched at EliteBox Gym on 15 September, with training sessions now underway across the three Local Government Areas.
Local coaches will deliver regular community-based sessions designed to build confidence, develop skills, and create positive opportunities for participants.
Speaking at the launch, British Deputy High Commissioner Simon Field said 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”
Also speaking, Nikita Joshua, Director of CHC, said the team is excited to return to Lagos after a 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.”
The Coordinator of Ikorodu Crime Prevention Partnership (CPP), Mr Adekunle Lamikanra while speaking said that the programme creates positive pathways for 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”.
“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”, he said
Earlier in March 2025, CHC carried out its first international giveback in Lagos, where over 45 young people showcased their boxing, football, and digital skills.
The event, supported by partners including the British High Commission Lagos, EliteBox Fitness, TAG International, Cleen Foundation, and Cyber Security Education Initiative (CYSED), demonstrated the positive impact of structured youth engagement.
Building on this success, the Septembe to November programme will extend CHC’s reach and deepen its engagement at the grassroots of Lagos communities. The initiative is part of the wider Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme, funded by the UK Home Office and implemented in Nigeria by TAG International.
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