UK Deputy High Commissioner ends 3-day visit to Kwara, pledges deeper partnership

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, has concluded a three‑day visit to Kwara State from May 11 to 13, 2026, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria at state level.

The visit included meetings with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and First Lady Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq; a visit to the Ilorin Innovation Hub; engagements with civil society organisations and religious leaders; a radio interview on Diamond 88.8 FM; and a courtesy call on the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Ibrahim Sulu‑Gambari.

During her meeting with AbdulRazaq, the Deputy High Commissioner discussed opportunities to strengthen economic ties and create sustainable jobs in Kwara State.

She highlighted the UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme, which she said is already providing technical assistance to two Kwara‑based companies, Bespoke Design Concepts and Bacita Sugar Company, helping them attract investment, expand operations, and create jobs.

Lever also raised the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), noting that this offers duty‑free or near duty‑free access to the UK market for around 3,000 Nigerian products, including shea, cashew and sesame.

Lever urged the Kwara State Government to help raise awareness of the scheme among local producers, cooperatives and exporters so they can fully benefit from the preferential access it offers.

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The meeting with the governor’s wife focused on women’s economic empowerment, the Special Seats Bill, and efforts to end violence against women and girls (VAWG).

She said the UK has supported the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, currently chaired by Olufolake, for four consecutive years, providing technical and financial support for its VAWG advocacy work.

The Deputy High Commissioner also visited the Olufolake Safe Haven, located within the Stella Obasanjo Multi‑Purpose Hall in Ilorin, a specialised facility providing protection and care for vulnerable children.

Accompanied by the First Lady, Lever also toured the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Sobi Specialist Hospital, where she received briefings on survivor‑centred services and the importance of coordinated responses to sexual and gender‑based violence.

The Deputy High Commissioner equally visited the Ilorin Innovation Hub, where she met young Nigerians, particularly young women, working in technology and entrepreneurship, and delivered remarks during an interactive session.

She announced that the UK will support the Hub’s participation in London Tech Week in June 2026, connecting Kwara’s innovators directly with UK networks, investors, and markets.

She further met with Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, to discuss security trends and reaffirm UK support for preventive and institution‑strengthening approaches.

Lever stated that the visits underscored the UK’s continued commitment to safeguarding, access to justice, and strengthening systems that protect women and children.