Education
Governor Ododo Launches AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer for Adolescent Girls in Kogi
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has officially launched the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) component of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, targeting students in selected secondary schools across the state.
The launch ceremony took place on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Glass House Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens—particularly women and girls—Governor Ododo described the AGILE initiative as a strategic effort to provide safe and quality education for the girl-child. “An educated girl is not only an empowered individual but a catalyst for national development,” he stated.
He explained that the AGILE-CCT programme is a long-term investment in the state’s human capital, aiming to boost school enrollment, retention, and transition rates among adolescent girls. The initiative, he said, will provide ₦40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across Kogi, helping to remove financial barriers to education.
Governor Ododo urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, stressing that empowering girls contributes to stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more prosperous nation.
Commissioner for Education and Chairman of the State Project Steering Committee, Wemi Jones, praised Governor Ododo’s proactive leadership, which continues to attract developmental programmes like AGILE. He encouraged students to be consistent in school attendance and called on parents to support their children’s education journey.
Also speaking, AGILE State Project Coordinator, Ahmed Tijani Oricha, said the project is focused on removing both financial and cultural obstacles to girls’ education. He noted that the second phase of the CCT rollout is ongoing and eligibility is based on maintaining at least 75% school attendance.
In his remarks, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, pledged the backing of traditional institutions towards the girl-child empowerment agenda. He called for continuous support to secure the future of young girls in the state.
Representing the over 30,000 beneficiaries, Fatima Zahara Salawudeen expressed gratitude to the Governor and stakeholders for their commitment to female education. She acknowledged the impact of the Governor’s free education policy across the 21 local government areas, and the vital counterpart funding provided for the AGILE project.
The AGILE programme, a Federal Ministry of Education initiative supported by the World Bank, seeks to expand access to quality secondary education for adolescent girls in participating states, while addressing broader issues in health and economic empowerment.
Governor Ododo was joined at the event by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo and other top government officials.