AGILE: Kogi Govt. Commences Disbursement of N534.3m CCT Grant To Schoolgirls
The Kogi Government on Wednesday commenced the disbursement of N534, 360,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project to schoolgirls in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disbursement was inaugurated by Gov. Ahmed Ododo on July 28, and 13, 359 adolescent girls are expected to benefit with each receiving N40,000 only.
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 commencement of the disbursement exercise at the 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 the state government for keeping to his promise of ensuring that ATM cards were distributed across the state to all beneficiaries.
Oricha explained 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.
According to him, it is a goal is to dismantle financial and socio-cultural barriers that prevent girls from attending school.
Oricha urged schoolgirls to maintain regular school attendance, while calling on parents to ensure that the funds were used strictly for their children’s education.
Similarly, the Lead Consultant, Mr Richard Alabi, reiterated that the account linked to the ATM card was a dedicated wallet for AGILE fund disbursement and must not be diverted for other uses.
Alabi emphasised that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70 per cent school attendance to continue enjoying the scheme.
He cautioned parents against paying any form of processing fees, as the government had fully covered the costs.
The CCT Lead, Mr Kunle Musa, explained that the disbursement was 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 prioritising education through the AGILE-CCT programme, noting that Kogi was 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 Yakubu, commended the state governor for making education a priority and ensuring that girls were 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 she received the N40, 000 on behalf of her daughter through the ATM card that was given to her.
“We are grateful to the government, AGILE, and all stakeholders for this support,” she said.
