Governor Ododo’s AGILE-CCT scheme tackles barriers to girls’ education across the state
Kogi State has commenced the disbursement of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants of N40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent schoolgirls under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.
The programme, flagged off by Governor Usman Ododo on July 28, 2025, is designed to boost school enrolment, retention, and transition for girls, thereby strengthening their participation in the state’s social and economic development.
At the formal exercise held at the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Lokoja, preloaded ATM cards were distributed to parents and guardians of beneficiaries. The Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, hailed the governor for delivering on his promise, stressing that the cash grant initiative would be sustained as a continuous intervention and not just a one-off disbursement.
According to Oricha, the support targets girls in transition classes across the state to eliminate financial and socio-cultural barriers that keep many out of school. He urged parents to ensure the funds were used strictly for their daughters’ education, while encouraging schoolgirls to maintain consistent attendance.
Reinforcing this, Lead Consultant to the project, Mr. Richard Alabi, explained that each ATM card is linked to a dedicated wallet meant solely for AGILE fund disbursement. He warned against misuse and emphasized that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70 percent attendance in school to remain qualified for the scheme. He also cautioned parents not to pay any processing fees, noting that all costs had already been covered by the government.
The Conditional Cash Transfer Lead, Mr. Kunle Musa, revealed that the disbursement was being conducted in phases to ensure that all 13,359 girls receive their grants without difficulty.
Representing the financial partner, UBA Branch Manager, Ms. Jennifer Efe, praised the state government’s commitment to prioritizing education, pointing out that Kogi is one of the first states to fully implement the AGILE-CCT initiative. She encouraged parents to channel the funds into their children’s schooling needs and suggested opening savings accounts to aid long-term financial planning for education.
School authorities also commended the initiative. The Principal of GYB Model Science Secondary School, Chief Godwin Yakubu, described the programme as a landmark in advancing education and expressed gratitude to the governor for ensuring that girls were not left behind.
Parents and beneficiaries equally voiced their appreciation. Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Mariam Paul confirmed receiving the grant. “I have received N40,000 on behalf of my daughter through the ATM card that was given to us. We are grateful to the government, AGILE, and all stakeholders for this support,” she said.
The AGILE-CCT initiative in Kogi has been hailed as a significant step toward dismantling obstacles that hinder girls’ education, with stakeholders optimistic that the project will help shape a brighter future for thousands of young women across the state.
0 Comments