The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kogi State has resumed the distribution of N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to schoolgirls, following the initial launch of the program.
This initiative seeks to boost enrollment, retention, and progression rates among adolescent girls in schools, thereby enhancing their role in the socio-economic advancement of the state.
During the recent distribution event held at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS) in Lokoja, the AGILE team handed out preloaded ATM cards to the parents and guardians of the beneficiaries.
Addressing attendees, Kogi State Project Coordinator Ahmed Oricha praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for fulfilling his commitment to ensure that all eligible recipients across the state receive their ATM cards.
He highlighted that this distribution is part of an ongoing effort, reinforcing the governor’s promise to maintain the AGILE-CCT program as a sustained intervention within the broader AGILE framework.
Oricha explained that the project aims to provide a cash grant of N40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls enrolled in transition classes statewide, targeting the removal of financial and cultural obstacles that hinder girls’ access to education.
He encouraged the girls to attend school consistently and urged parents to allocate the funds exclusively for educational purposes.
Lead consultant Richard Alabi clarified that the ATM card accounts are dedicated wallets specifically for AGILE disbursements and must not be used for other expenses. He stressed that beneficiaries are required to maintain a minimum of 70 percent school attendance to remain eligible for the program and warned parents against paying any processing fees, as all costs are fully covered by the government.
Mr. Kunle Musa, the CCT Lead, noted that the cash transfers are being distributed in phases until all 13,359 beneficiaries have received their grants.
UBA branch manager Jennifer Efe commended the state government’s dedication to prioritizing education through the AGILE-CCT initiative, highlighting Kogi as one of the pioneering states to implement the program effectively.
She advised parents to use the funds responsibly for their children’s schooling and suggested opening separate savings accounts to support future financial planning.
Chief Godwin Ajofe Yakubu, principal of GYB MSSS, praised Governor Ododo for his focus on education and ensuring that girls are not marginalized. He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to the project’s success.
Parents and beneficiaries expressed their appreciation as well. Mrs. Mariam Paul, a parent, shared, “I have received the N40,000 on behalf of my daughter through the ATM card provided. We are thankful to the government, AGILE, and everyone involved for this valuable support.”
