LOKOJA, NIGERIA – The Governor of Kogi in North Central Nigeria, Ahmed Ododo, has flagged off a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme for schoolgirls, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of citizens, particularly women and girls, in the state. The initiative, part of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, aims to enhance access to education.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the AGILE project as a symbol of dedication to ensuring every child, especially the girl-child, has access to safe and quality education. He stressed that an educated girl is not only an empowered individual but also a “catalyst for national development.”
Governor Ododo reiterated that the AGILE-CCT is more than just financial support; it represents a long-term investment in human capital development. The programme is designed to boost school enrolment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby contributing to the broader social and economic development of Kogi State. He noted that Kogi State currently has one of the lowest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria and expressed gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Bello for securing the state’s inclusion in the World Bank-supported AGILE project.
The Governor urged beneficiaries to use the grants responsibly as a foundation for a better future, stating that empowering the girl-child is synonymous with empowering families, strengthening communities, and advancing the nation. The project will provide a cash grant of ₦40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across the state, aiming to remove financial barriers to education and enhance school retention.
Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education and Chairman of the State Project Steering Committee, commended Governor Ododo’s leadership for attracting beneficial projects to the state. He encouraged schoolgirls to attend regularly and advised parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education.
Ahmed Oricha, the AGILE State Project Coordinator, emphasised that the project seeks to dismantle both financial and sociocultural barriers preventing adolescent girls from staying in school. He noted that the second cohort of the CCT is underway, with eligibility requiring 75% school attendance.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Ahmed Anaje, pledged the support of traditional institutions for the Kogi State government’s girl-child development agenda, describing girls as the “future of the nation.”
Fatima Salawudeen from the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (MARKAZ), speaking on behalf of the over 30,000 beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to female students. 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 Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, by targeting schoolgirls at critical educational stages, exemplifies the Ododo administration’s inclusive approach to social investment and its dedication to building a more equitable and prosperous Kogi State.
Add Comment