Kogi State Disburses ₦40,000 Grants to 13,359 Schoolgirls Under AGILE Project

The Kogi State Government has commenced the distribution of ₦40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to adolescent schoolgirls under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, aimed at improving school enrollment, retention, and transition.

The latest disbursement took place at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), Lokoja, where beneficiaries received preloaded ATM cards handed to their parents and guardians.

Breaking Barriers to Girls’ Education

Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the AGILE-CCT initiative and ensuring that ATM cards are distributed across the state.

He explained that 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes are targeted to benefit from the grants, which are designed to remove financial and socio-cultural barriers that often force girls out of school.

“This intervention is not a one-time effort. It is a continuous support scheme to help our daughters stay in school and build a brighter future,” Oricha stated, urging parents to ensure the funds are used solely for education.

Accountability and Conditions

The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi, clarified that each ATM card is linked to a dedicated AGILE wallet, stressing that the grants must not be diverted for non-educational purposes.

He added that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70% school attendance to remain eligible for the program. Parents were also warned not to pay any processing fees, as the government has covered all costs.

Stakeholder Reactions

• Mr. Kunle Musa, CCT Lead, noted that disbursement will be carried out in batches until all beneficiaries receive their grants.

• Ms. Jennifer Efe, UBA Branch Manager, commended the government’s commitment, noting that Kogi is one of the first states to implement AGILE-CCT. She advised parents to use the grants wisely and consider saving for their children’s long-term education.

• Chief Godwin Ajofe Yakubu, Principal of GYBMSSS, thanked the state government for ensuring that no girl is left behind in education.

Parents also expressed gratitude, with Mrs. Mariam Paul, one of the recipients, confirming:

“I have received the ₦40,000 on behalf of my daughter through the ATM card. We are grateful to the government, AGILE, and all stakeholders for this support.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the AGILE project?
AGILE (Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment) is a World Bank-assisted project aimed at improving access to education for adolescent girls in Nigeria by removing financial and socio-cultural barriers.

2. How much is the cash transfer per beneficiary?
Each beneficiary receives ₦40,000, disbursed through preloaded ATM cards linked to a dedicated wallet.

3. How many girls are benefiting in Kogi State?
A total of 13,359 schoolgirls in transition classes are targeted under the scheme.

4. What conditions must beneficiaries meet?
Beneficiaries must maintain at least 70% school attendance to continue receiving the grant.

5. Are parents required to pay fees to access the funds?
No. The government has fully covered the costs. Parents are advised not to pay any processing or handling fees.