Kogi State has continued the distribution of N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to schoolgirls under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, following the earlier flag-off of the scheme.
The initiative is designed to boost school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby improving their contribution to the state’s social and economic development.
At the latest disbursement exercise held on Tuesday at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), Lokoja, the AGILE team issued preloaded ATM cards to parents and guardians of the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for fulfilling his promise to ensure that ATM cards are distributed across the state. He explained that the disbursement was not a one-time exercise but part of the governor’s pledge to sustain the AGILE-CCT initiative as a continuous intervention.
He stated that the project would provide N40,000 cash grants each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across the state, targeting the removal of financial and socio-cultural barriers that keep girls out of school. Oricha urged schoolgirls to maintain regular school attendance and called on parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for educational purposes.
The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi, clarified that the account linked to each ATM card is a dedicated wallet for AGILE fund disbursement. He warned that the funds must not be diverted for other uses and stressed that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70 percent school attendance to continue benefiting from the scheme. He also cautioned parents not to pay any processing fees, as the government has fully covered all costs.
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Lead, Mr. Kunle Musa, said the disbursement is being carried out in batches until all 13,359 beneficiaries receive their grants.
UBA Branch Manager, Ms. Jennifer Efe, commended the state government’s commitment to prioritizing education, noting that Kogi State is among the first to begin actual implementation of the AGILE-CCT program. She advised parents to use the funds wisely and to consider opening separate savings accounts for future educational planning.
Principal of GYBMSSS, Chief Godwin Ajofe Yakubu, appreciated the government’s effort to ensure girls are not left behind in education.
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.”
