By Bishop Aturu.
In a determined effort to ensure transparency and successful implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, the Kogi State Project Coordinator (PC) led members of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) on an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing second cohort enrollment exercise for CCT beneficiaries.
The exercise took place at two government-owned public schools in Lokoja: Government Day Secondary School, Adankolo, and Holy Trinity School, Alheri Road, both currently hosting enrollment centers for the new cohort of eligible female students under the AGILE-supported CCT scheme.
Speaking during the visit, the AGILE Project Coordinator expressed satisfaction with the progress of the enrollment, commending the consulting firm responsible for the biometric data capturing and the CCT Component Lead, Mr. Munini Kunle, for his effective coordination of the process.
“We are here to monitor the exercise firsthand and ensure that every eligible adolescent girl is properly captured. The success of this component depends on precision, inclusiveness, and attention to detail. I am impressed with what I’ve seen so far,” the Project Coordinator stated.
He further emphasized the significance of the CCT program, describing it as a critical strategy in addressing economic barriers that often hinder girls’ education. “This is more than a cash disbursement; it is a social safety net that supports retention and promotes school attendance among vulnerable girls in Kogi State,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the consulting firm, ERICLAFIA, Mr. Richard Alabi, handling the enrollment, assured the team of a thorough and transparent process. According to him, his team is committed to ensuring that the data capturing is conducted with the highest standards of accuracy.
“Our field officers are trained and equipped with the tools necessary for real-time data entry and verification. We are working closely with school officials and community stakeholders to ensure a smooth process. We are confident of achieving 100 percent capturing of all eligible beneficiaries,” Alabi said.
Also speaking, Mr. Munini Kunle, the CCT Component Lead, highlighted the operational improvements made in this second round of enrollment. He noted that lessons learned from the first cohort had informed a more robust and seamless process.
“We have strengthened logistics, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and improved communication with the schools. This has translated to better turnout and fewer disruptions. Our goal is to leave no girl behind,” Kunle remarked.
The team also engaged with school heads, parents, and some of the beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude for the initiative, which they said is helping to reduce the financial burden on families and motivate girls to stay in school.
The ongoing enrollment exercise is part of AGILE’s broader objective to improve learning outcomes and enhance school attendance among adolescent girls across Kogi State through targeted financial interventions and education support services.
The SPIU affirmed its commitment to continued monitoring and quality assurance to ensure the integrity and success of the program across all participating schools in the state.
