The Kogi Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has demonstrated transparency and accountability in its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) ATM card distribution initiative.
The Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, stated this at Okene Secondary School, while monitoring the CCT ATM card distribution to beneficiaries across schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The visit was part of the Project Coordinator’s monitoring and oversight functions, covering several schools in the district.
Oricha said the project aims to improve girls’ education and support vulnerable families in Kogi State.
According to him, the CCT ATM card distribution initiative is a key part of the project’s broader vision to reduce financial barriers and enhance household resilience.
He expressed satisfaction with the smooth, transparent, and impactful distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) ATM cards to beneficiaries across schools in the district.
“What we are witnessing here today in Kogi Central is a testament to the commitment of the State Government and all partners working on this project,” he said.
Oricha added that the project has established grievance redress mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries can report issues and have them addressed promptly.
He commended the Component Lead and the SPIU field team for coordinating logistics, verifying beneficiaries, and ensuring distribution procedures are followed.
The Project Coordinator praised Ericlafia and team, UBA for their technical guidance in distributing ATM cards, and community engagement, crucial to the exercise’s success.
“The CCT is a key part of the AGILE Project’s broader vision to improve educational outcomes, especially for adolescent girls, by reducing financial barriers and enhancing household resilience.
“The support is expected to boost school attendance and retention while empowering families economically,” Oricha said.
Oricha urged beneficiaries to use support properly and safeguard ATM cards.
He assured that the state government, through the SPIU, remains committed to transparency and efficiency in the AGILE project.
The Component Lead, Musa Mumini Kunle, reaffirmed that the SPIU would continue working closely with communities to ensure no eligible school is left out.
The Lead Consultant, Ericlafia, Mr Richard Alabi, emphasised that grievance redress mechanisms are in place, allowing beneficiaries to report issues and have them addressed promptly.
Some beneficiaries, mostly mothers and guardians, expressed joy and relief after receiving their cards.
“This card means a lot to me and my children. I can now buy learning materials and support their schooling without worry,” said Mrs. Maryam Yusuf, a beneficiary at Okene Secondary School.
Another parent, Mr. Aliu Salihu, commended the government and the AGILE project for the intervention.
The visit was part of the Project Coordinator’s monitoring and oversight functions, covering several schools in the district such as Lenon Memorial College, OCSS Arigo, UBE JSS Eika Oku, and UBE JSS Obochehe,
Others were: UBE JSS Okengwe, Government Secondary School Okene, LGSS Upogoro, Etahi Community Secondary School, UBE JSS Esomi, GDSS Iruvucheba, Standard Okuhanatahu, LGEA Inapasi, St. John Agassa, GDSS Ahache, Anyava, and LGEA Agassa.