By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh, Lokoja
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has flagged off the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project Conditional Cash Transfer programme for students in selected schools in Kogi State.
The programme was flagged off today, Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Glass House Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
Governor Ododo restated his commitment to uplifting the lives and livelihoods of citizens, especially women and girls in the state. He described the AGILE project as a symbol of dedication to ensuring that every child, especially the girl-child, has access to safe and quality education. “An educated girl is not only an empowered individual but a catalyst for national development,” he said.
The Governor noted that the AGILE-CCT is more than financial support, as it represents a long-term investment in human capital development. “The programme is designed to enhance school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby contributing to the broader social and economic development of Kogi State,” he added.
Governor Ododo informed that the project will provide a cash grant of ₦40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across the state, with the aim of removing financial barriers to education and enhancing school retention. He urged the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the grants as a foundation for a better future, noting that empowering the girl-child is synonymous with empowering families, strengthening communities, and advancing the nation.
The Commissioner for Education and Chairman of the State Project Steering Committee, Wemi Jones, commended Governor Ododo’s leadership, which has continued to attract beneficial projects to the state. Jones encouraged schoolgirls to attend schools regularly and advised parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education to ensure they complete their educational pursuits.
The AGILE State Project Coordinator, Ahmed Tijani Oricha, emphasized that the project aims to dismantle both financial and sociocultural barriers that prevent adolescent girls from staying in school. He noted that the second cohort of the CCT is in progress and every girl child who has 75% attendance in school is eligible to be selected.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, pledged the support of traditional institutions towards the girl-child development agenda of the Kogi State government. He described girls as the future of the nation and called for sustained efforts in ensuring their growth and empowerment.
Fatima Zahara Salawudeen, who spoke on behalf of the over 30,000 beneficiaries, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor and all stakeholders for the opportunity given to female students in the state. She acknowledged the Governor’s support for free education across the 21 local government areas and highlighted the counterpart funding provided under the AGILE project as a reflection of Governor Ododo’s commitment to securing a better future for girls in the state.
The AGILE Project is a flagship programme of the Federal Ministry of Education, supported by the World Bank, aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in participating states. The programme focuses on various areas, including education, health, and economic empowerment.
The Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Comr Joel Salifu Oyibo and other Government functionaries for the flagship.