The Kogi State government has begun disbursing N534,360,000 in Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to 13,359 schoolgirls as part of its Adolescent Girls initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
On Wednesday, preloaded ATM cards were handed to parents and guardians of beneficiaries at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSS), Lokoja. The programme is designed to boost school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, addressing financial and socio-cultural barriers to education.
Ahmed Oricha, Kogi State Project Coordinator, said each beneficiary would receive N40,000, and stressed that the scheme would be a continuous intervention rather than a one-off payment. He urged girls to maintain regular attendance, while advising parents to use the funds strictly for education.
Richard Alabi, lead consultant on the project, added that the dedicated AGILE account must not be diverted for other purposes. Those girls must sustain at least 70% attendance to continue receiving support.
Jennifer Efe, UBA branch manager, praised the state government for prioritising education, while GYBMSSS principal Godwin Ajofe Yakubu welcomed the initiative, noting it ensures girls are not left behind. Parents expressed gratitude, with one describing the grant as “a lifeline for my daughter’s education.” The disbursement is ongoing and will continue in batches until all beneficiaries receive their funds.
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