By Bishop Aturu
The atmosphere was charged with excitement and purpose as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) advocacy and sensitization program under the AGILE Project officially flagged off in Kogi Central today.
The historic event was declared open by His Royal Majesty, Alh. Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, who graced the occasion with his royal presence, blessings, and resounding endorsement of the AGILE initiative.
In his royal remarks, the Ohinoyi expressed deep appreciation for the CCT initiative, calling on parents and guardians to ensure strict compliance with school attendance requirements.
He described the AGILE Project as a beacon of hope for young girls, urging communities to give it their unwavering support. “This is not just about money. This is about securing the future of our daughters and our society,” he said.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), led by the State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi to formally introduce the project, seek royal support, and receive guidance and blessings.
Addressing the gathering, the Project Coordinator thanked His Royal Majesty for his warmth and fatherly support. He highlighted the commitment of the Kogi State Government and His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to ensuring that no girl is left behind in the pursuit of education.
He emphasized that the CCT program is one of AGILE’s key interventions for increasing school enrolment, retention, and transition of girls across public secondary schools.
Also speaking at the event, the CCT Component Lead, Mrs. Kunle Mumuni Musa, gave a detailed presentation on the Conditional Cash Transfer initiative.
He explained that girls enrolled in JSS1 and SS1 in selected public schools will benefit from a total package of ₦50,000, broken down into ₦15,000 for registration, ₦25,000 for transition support, and an additional ₦10,000 termly stipend. Kunle further explained that only students with a minimum of 70% school attendance are eligible to receive the disbursement.
The Component Lead also took the opportunity to sensitize caregivers and stakeholders on how to open and secure bank accounts, the importance of financial safety, and the use of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for addressing any challenges.
The advocacy and sensitization effort is part of a broader strategy to create awareness, deepen understanding, and encourage community ownership of the AGILE Project, particularly the CCT component. The program will continue across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, with stakeholders including SBMCs, PTA representatives, traditional rulers, educational officials, and caregivers participating actively.
