By Bishop Aturu.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project in Kogi State marked a significant milestone today with the official flag-off of the Safe Space Cascade Training for mentors, held at Kabba, in Kogi West Senatorial District.
The ceremony was graced by the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of Okun Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, who declared the training open in the company of his royal council of chiefs. His presence underscored the critical role of traditional leadership in advancing girl-child empowerment and supporting AGILE’s mission to equip adolescent girls with essential life skills, values, and voice.
Before the official opening, a delegation from the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), led by the Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha (FCNA), paid a courtesy visit to the Obaro’s palace. During the royal visit, the PC formally introduced the AGILE project objectives, highlighted the transformative impact of the Safe Space intervention, and sought royal support for community mobilization and sustained mentorship for in-school adolescent girls.
In his response, HRM Oba Solomon Awoniyi lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and vital in building a responsible generation of empowered girls. He pledged the continued support of the traditional institution in ensuring that the Safe Space program reaches its desired goals.
“We are proud to be part of this movement that is reshaping the future of our daughters. Education and life skills are powerful tools. You have my blessing and that of the Kabba Kingdom,” the Obaro affirmed.
The training, which officially commenced today in Kogi West, brought together selected volunteer mentors (facilitators) across schools in Kogi West, including teachers and women mentors who will serve as Safe Space facilitators in 100 public secondary schools. These mentors will be trained on key modules including self-esteem, communication, goal setting, decision-making, reproductive health, financial literacy, gender-based violence awareness, and leadership.
The Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, while addressing mentors and stakeholders at the training venue, expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering support for the AGILE project and the broader education sector. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the First Class Monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, for his steadfast community leadership and strong backing of the initiative.
He emphasized that the Safe Space model remains a cornerstone of AGILE’s vision to empower girls beyond academics. “We are not just training teachers, we are building life builders mentors who will inspire confidence, purpose, and leadership in our adolescent girls,” he stated.
Also present at the event were representatives of the implementing firm, NISD (New Initiative for Social Development), key SPIU staff, and zonal education officials.
In her remarks, the representative of NISD, Saratu Tebu commended the strong synergy between the project team, schools, and communities, describing Kogi State’s approach as a model worthy of emulation.
The Cascade Training is expected to span all three senatorial districts, Kogi West, Central, and East reaching hundreds of mentors who will, in turn, replicate the training for adolescent girls within their respective school communities.
This Safe Space model is part of AGILE’s broader strategy to create safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for girls to learn, grow, and thrive free from violence, harmful norms, and limitations.
As the Cascade Training begins to roll out across Kogi State, AGILE continues to champion a future where every girl is confident, informed, and equipped to reach her full potential.
