The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has launched a statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation on its “Second Chance Education” initiative across the state.
The AGILE team engaged with traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, youth groups, parents, out-of-school girls, and community influencers across Kogi’s three senatorial districts.
Speaking in Anyigba, AGILE’s State Project Coordinator, Alh. Ahmed Oricha, described the initiative as a timely intervention that will help young women rewrite their stories and become active contributors to society.
He said the programme, themed “Every Girl Deserves a Second Chance to Learn”, aims to restore hope and dignity to girls whose education was disrupted due to poverty, early marriage, or other social barriers.
He emphasised that the initiative was designed to provide literacy, life skills, vocational training, and empowerment to adolescent girls and young women.
“The initiative provides free learning at non-formal centers, basic literacy and numeracy training, life skills, livelihood skills, and health and wellbeing education,” Oricha said
He stressed the need for effective communication and strong community involvement to ensure the initiative’s success.
Oricha commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for his genuine dedication to the AGILE Project’s success and his evident passion for the welfare of Kogites, especially the girl child.
The Second Chance Education Component Lead, Hajia Mariam Bello, shared her personal journey of overcoming obstacles to complete her education, inspiring stakeholders and participants alike.
According to Bello, her story highlighted the importance of giving girls opportunities to return to learning, regardless of past challenges.
AGILE’s key members in their separate presentations, emphasised that educating a girl has a ripple effect, benefiting the entire community, and urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to lend their full support to the programme.
Mr Michael Olatunde, Kogi AGILE ‘s Environmental Lead; and Mr Bishop Aturu, Communication Specialist, outlined the project’s overview, strategies, and approaches.
On her part, Hajia Aminat Sulieman, the Deputy Project Coordinator, urged parents and community leaders to support the initiative.
Mr Tsebeje Jonathan, the Executive Director, Agency for Non-Former Education (ANFE), pledged his agency’s partnership with AGILE.
The Ogohi of Ayingba, Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, commended the AGILE team for the initiative, and pledged support for the Second Chance Education programme
The community leaders hailed the programme, describing it as a lifeline that would help lift many families out of poverty and build a stronger foundation for the state’s development.