By Bishop Aturu.
The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has taken a bold step in advancing education for adolescent girls and young women with the commencement of a statewide stakeholders’ engagement and community sensitization on Second Chance Education, also known as Alternative Education, under Component 2.2c of the project.
The sensitization, held across the three senatorial districts of Kogi East, West and Central, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, youth groups, parents, community influencers and even out-of-school girls who stand to benefit from the initiative. The program was held under the theme, “Every Girl Deserves a Second Chance to Learn!”
Leading the team, the State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha (FCNA), described the initiative as a timely intervention to restore hope and dignity to girls whose education had been disrupted due to poverty, early marriage, or other social barriers.
He noted that no dream should be abandoned and no girl should be left behind, stressing that the project was designed to provide literacy, life skills, vocational training, and empowerment to help young women rewrite their stories and become active contributors to society.
The PC further expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his sincere commitment to the success of the AGILE Project and his passion for the wellbeing of Kogites, particularly the girl child.
The Second Chance Education Component Lead, Hajia Mariam Bello, delivered a passionate address that left a lasting impact on participants. Drawing from her personal journey of overcoming obstacles to complete her education, she endeared herself to stakeholders and participants alike, earning the affectionate title “Mama Second Chance.”
Her story resonated deeply with the audience and underscored the importance of ensuring that girls are given opportunities to return to learning regardless of past challenges.
The program also featured presentations from key members of the AGILE team. The The Environmental Lead, Michael Olatunde, Communication Specialist, Bishop Aturu, provided an overview of the project, engagement strategies and implementation approaches, emphasizing that effective communication and strong community involvement are vital to the success of the initiative, while also highlighting how the project is designed to create holistic benefits for both the girls and their communities.
The Deputy Project Coordinator, Hajia Aminat Sulieman, urged parents and community leaders to act as ambassadors of the initiative, while the Executive Director of the Agency for Non-Formal Education (ANFE), Mr. Tsebeje Jonathan, reaffirmed the commitment of his agency to partner with AGILE in order to expand access to non-formal education centers and help realize the component’s objectives.
As part of the sensitization drive, the AGILE team paid a courtesy visit to the Ogohi of Ayangba, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo. The royal father commended the initiative and assured the team of his full support, pledging to use his influence to encourage families within his domain to embrace the Second Chance Education program for the benefit of their daughters.
Second Chance Education, according to AGILE, is tailored for adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 25 years who dropped out of school or never had the opportunity to attend. It provides free learning at non-formal centers, basic literacy and numeracy training, life skills such as decision-making and financial literacy, livelihood skills including small trades and vocational knowledge, as well as health and wellbeing education covering nutrition, reproductive health and gender-based violence awareness. It also makes special provision for married girls, young mothers and those with special needs.
Community leaders and participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as a lifeline that would help lift many families out of poverty while building a stronger foundation for the state’s development. Many pledged to spread the word and mobilize eligible girls to register at the nearest centers.
The AGILE team reiterated that when a girl is educated, an entire community benefits. They called on parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders to support the program wholeheartedly, insisting that no girl should be left behind because every girl deserves a second chance to learn, grow and shine.
