Olu Samuel

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kogi State has commenced the distribution of N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to schoolgirls.

This follows the earlier flag-off of the scheme by the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on 28th July

The initiative is aimed at enhancing school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby strengthening their contribution to the state’s social and economic development.

At the exercise held on Wednesday at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), Lokoja, the AGILE team issued preloaded ATM cards to parents and guardians of beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for keeping to his promise of ensuring that ATM cards are distributed across the state to all beneficiaries.

He stressed that the disbursement was not a one-off, but a follow-up activity towards the Governor’s pledge that the AGILE-CCT initiative will be sustained as a continuous intervention under the AGILE project.

“The project would provide a cash grant of N40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across the state, with the goal of dismantling financial and socio-cultural barriers preventing girls from attending school”.

Oricha further urged schoolgirls to maintain regular school attendance, while calling on parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for their children’s education.

The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi, reiterated that the account linked to the ATM card is a dedicated wallet for AGILE fund disbursement and must not be diverted for other uses. He emphasized that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70 per cent school attendance to continue enjoying the scheme, while also cautioning parents against paying any form of processing fees, as the government has fully covered the costs.

The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Lead, Mr. Kunle Musa, explained that the disbursement is being carried out in batches until all 13,359 beneficiaries receive their funds.

UBA Branch Manager, Ms. Jennifer Efe, lauded the state government’s commitment to prioritizing education through the AGILE-CCT program, noting that Kogi is among the first states to begin actual implementation.

She encouraged parents to use the funds appropriately for their children’s education and advised them to consider opening a separate savings account for future planning.

The Principal of GYBMSSS, Chief Godwin Ajofe Yakubu, commended Governor Ododo for making education a priority and ensuring that girls are not left behind. He expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support in making the project successful.

Parents and beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. Mrs. Mariam Paul, a parent, said: “I have received the 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.”