The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, has partnered with the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders to promote girl child education.
The partnership was celebrated during a road walk and panel discussion held on Saturday in Lokoja to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
The Project Coordinator, Kogi AGILE Project, Alh. Ahmed Tijani Oricha, noted that the day is dedicated to recognising the rights, voices, and limitless potential of girls everywhere.
Oricha emphasised that education equips girls to respond, rebuild, and lead change.
Oricha noted that girls are not passive beneficiaries of change but are the change themselves, holding the power, ideas, and courage to shape a brighter future.
The Project Coordinator urged girls to believe in themselves, stand tall, and speak up, emphasising that their voices matter and their dreams are valid.
“The AGILE Project will continue working with partners to provide access to safe schools, improve learning environments, and support digital and life skills training for girls in Kogi.
“The partnership aims to ensure that every girl in Kogi has access to quality education, safety, empowerment opportunities, confident and empowered to respond, rebuild, and lead change,” he said.
Oricha thanked parents, teachers, and community leaders for their support and encouraged them to continue protecting, encouraging, and empowering every girl to reach her full potential.
Chief Yakubu Godwins, Principal of GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), highlighted the crucial role schools play in empowering girl children.
He stated that deliberate programs are implemented to provide girls with opportunities to excel academically and personally, focusing on their welfare and development.
The Principal emphasised the need for collaboration with traditional and community leaders to challenge cultural beliefs hindering girl child development, creating a supportive environment for girls to thrive.
Speakers at the event representatives of State Ministry of Women Affairs, Jamatul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Media, also pledged sustained collaboration with AGILE.
They commended AGILE’s consistent advocacy and pledged the ministry’s continued partnership in implementing programs that promote gender equality and protect the rights of girls.
The Ohiogba of Mozum and Provost, Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Khalid Bukar, commended AGILE for its role in promoting education and leadership among girls.
The royal father advised students to remain disciplined and focused, reminding them that obedience to parents and teachers is key to success.
The celebration featured a colorful road walk through major streets of Lokoja, with participants carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Leadership Has No Gender”, “Girls Rights Are Human Rights”, “No Girl Should Be Left Behind”, among others.