By Bishop Aturu
The State Project Coordinator of the Kogi Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Alh. Ahmed Tijani Oricha has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the well-deserved honour bestowed on him by the National Body of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration.
Governor Ododo was presented with the highly coveted “Golden Award of Excellence for Education and Teacher Friendliness”, in recognition of his visionary leadership, transformative educational policies, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of teachers and the advancement of learning in Kogi State.
In a congratulatory message issued in Lokoja, the AGILE State Project Coordinator described the award as “a fitting tribute to a leader whose dedication to education continues to inspire transformative change across the state.”
He noted that Governor Ododo’s administration has not only prioritized education as a cornerstone of development but has also demonstrated consistent support for initiatives that strengthen the sector and uplift teachers.
“Your Excellency’s recognition by the entire Teachers of Nigeria through the National Headquarters of the NUT,is a testament to the far-reaching impact of your leadership in repositioning the education sector in Kogi State.
From improved teacher welfare to investments in infrastructure, policy reforms, and sustained support for innovative projects like AGILE, your administration continues to create pathways for quality education and brighter futures for our children,” the statement read.
The Project Coordinator further highlighted the Governor’s unwavering support for the AGILE Project, a World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls and enhancing human capital development.
He noted that under Governor Ododo’s leadership, AGILE has recorded significant milestones in expanding access to education, promoting gender inclusion, and strengthening learning outcomes across the state.
“Your Excellency’s commitment to education aligns perfectly with the vision of the AGILE Project, and your continuous support has been pivotal to the successes we have achieved so far.
We see this award as a recognition not just of past achievements but as an encouragement to continue advancing the frontiers of education in Kogi State,” he added.
The SPC expressed confidence that the Governor’s passion for education, teacher empowerment, and youth development will continue to drive transformative change, positioning Kogi as a model for other states in Nigeria.
He concluded by reaffirming the AGILE Project’s readiness to continue partnering with the state government in delivering quality education, empowering adolescent girls, and building a stronger foundation for sustainable development.
