By Bishop Aturu
The Kogi State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has extended its sensitization efforts to the traditional leadership of Okunland, seeking collaboration for the successful implementation of the project.
During a visit to His Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council, the team formally appointed him as the Kogi AGILE Ambassador, recognizing his role in championing education and development in the region.
At the Obaro’s palace, the SPIU team, led by the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, outlined the objectives of the AGILE project, emphasizing the critical role of traditional institutions in supporting sensitization efforts and community mobilization.
Dr. Abdulhakeem highlighted that the AGILE Project, a World Bank-supported initiative, is designed to improve access to quality education, enhance school infrastructure, and provide economic empowerment for adolescent girls in participating states, including Kogi.
The Project Coordinator reaffirmed the commitment to continuous dialogue with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to address emerging challenges and ensure the seamless execution of the AGILE project across Kogi State.
In response, Oba Owoniyi commended the initiative, describing it as a much-needed intervention for Kogi State. However, he expressed concerns about the shortage of teachers across the senatorial districts, stressing that the success of the AGILE project hinges on addressing the lack of qualified educators in schools.
He further urged the government and implementing agencies to ensure that only competent contractors are engaged for the construction and rehabilitation of school facilities, warning that substandard work could undermine the project’s long-term impact.
Despite these concerns, the Obaro assured the SPIU team of his full support, along with that of the royal fathers and cabinet members present. He pledged to use his influence to sensitize communities about the AGILE project, ensuring broader acceptance and participation.
The visit was attended by SPIU members, royal fathers, and key traditional leaders, all of whom emphasized the importance of sustained community engagement and proper implementation.
In a related development, the AGILE team also visited the State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Camp to seek the buy-in of the AGILE project from the camp management and serving corps members who will be deployed to government-owned public schools in the state.
