Kogi Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has successfully commenced the distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) ATM cards to beneficiaries across schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District, with the Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, expressing satisfaction at the smooth and transparent process.
Alhaji Oricha made the remarks during a spot visit to Okene Secondary School, Okene, where beneficiaries gathered to receive their ATM cards. The cards are part of the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer component designed to improve girls’ education and support adolescent girls to remain and complete their schooling.
The monitoring visit, which also formed part of the Project Coordinator’s oversight functions, extended to several schools in the district, including Lenon Memorial College, OCSS Arigo, UBE JSS Eika Oku, UBE JSS Obochehe, UBE JSS Okengwe, Government Secondary School Okene, LGSS Upogoro, Etahi Community Secondary School, UBE JSS Esomi, GDSS Iruvucheba, Standard Okuhanatahu, LGEA Inapasi, St. John Agassa, GDSS Ahache, Anyava, and LGEA Agassa.
Speaking to journalists, Alhaji Oricha described the exercise as a milestone in empowering vulnerable families and eliminating financial obstacles to education for girls. He said, “What we are witnessing here today in Kogi Central is a testament to the commitment of the State Government and all partners working on this project. The process is transparent, orderly, and impactful. We are determined to ensure that every eligible household receives their CCT ATM card and that the support reaches those who need it most.”
The Project Coordinator commended the Component Lead and the SPIU field team for coordinating logistics, verifying beneficiaries, and ensuring that distribution procedures were followed. He also praised the Lead Consultant, Ericlafia, and his team for their technical expertise and community engagement, which he noted had been crucial to the success of the exercise.
He further acknowledged UBA, the service provider responsible for issuing the cards, for deploying personnel to guide beneficiaries on activation and safe usage. “UBA has demonstrated commitment and professionalism. Their presence on the ground and the support they provide to first-time card users are commendable,” he added.
Beneficiaries at the distribution centers, mostly mothers and guardians, expressed their joy after receiving their cards. Mrs. Maryam Yusuf, a parent at Okene Secondary School, said, “This card means a lot to me and my children. I can now buy learning materials and support their schooling without worry.”
Another parent, Mr. Aliu Salihu, also appreciated the intervention. He said, “The process was well organized. The staff were helpful, and everything was explained clearly. This support will go a long way in helping families like mine keep our children in school.”
The Component Lead, Musa Mumini Kunle, reaffirmed that the SPIU would continue working with communities to ensure that no eligible school is left behind. He explained that mobile teams would be deployed to reach remote areas, stressing the importance of inclusiveness. “We are committed to covering every targeted schools. Our team will keep monitoring the process and providing support to ensure transparency and accountability,” he stated.
The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi, also highlighted the grievance redress mechanisms that have been put in place. He said, “Our field officers are engaging directly with the Bank, SPIU and members of SBMC to resolve any complaints swiftly.”
The Conditional Cash Transfer under the AGILE project is an important strategy to improve educational outcomes, particularly for adolescent girls, by reducing financial pressure on households and enhancing resilience. The intervention is expected to increase school attendance, improve retention rates, and empower families economically.
As the distribution progresses in other parts of the state, Alhaji Oricha encouraged beneficiaries to use the support wisely and protect their ATM cards. He assured them that the state government, through the SPIU, remains committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in implementing the AGILE project.