Kogiflame
By Bishop Aturu
The Project Coordinator of the Kogi Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha, has expressed satisfaction with the smooth, transparent, and impactful distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) ATM cards to beneficiaries across schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Alhaji Oricha gave the commendation during a spot visit to Okene Secondary School, Okene, where beneficiaries gathered to receive their ATM cards under the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer component aimed at improving girls’ education and supporting adolescent girls remain and complete schools.
The visit, which formed part of the Project Coordinator’s monitoring and oversight functions, also covered several other schools in the district, including Lenon Memorial College, OCSS Arigo, UBE JSS Eika Oku, UBE JSS Obochehe, 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.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, the Project Coordinator described the distribution exercise as a major step forward in the project’s goal of empowering vulnerable families and removing financial barriers to girls’ education.
“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. The process is transparent, orderly, and impactful. We are determined to ensure that every eligible household receives their CCT ATM card and that the support reaches those who need it most,” Alhaji Oricha said.
He commended the Component Lead and the SPIU field team for their relentless work in coordinating logistics, verifying beneficiaries, and ensuring that distribution follows laid down procedures. He also praised the Lead Consultant, Ericlafia, and his team for their technical guidance and approach in distributing the ATM cards, and community engagement, which he said have been crucial to the success of the exercise.
The Project Coordinator further lauded UBA, the service provider responsible for issuing the cards, for deploying personnel on-site to guide beneficiaries on activation and safe usage.
“UBA has demonstrated commitment and professionalism. Their presence on the ground and the support they provide to first-time card users are commendable,” he added.
Some of the 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 process was well organized. The staff were helpful, and everything was explained clearly. This support will go a long way in helping families like mine keep our children in school,” he said.
The Component Lead, Musa Mumini Kunle reaffirmed that the SPIU would continue working closely with communities to ensure no eligible school is left out, including deploying mobile teams to reach remote areas.
“We are committed to covering every targeted schools. Our team will keep monitoring the process and providing support to ensure transparency and accountability,” the Component Lead noted.
The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi also emphasized that grievance redress mechanisms are in place, allowing beneficiaries to report issues and have them addressed promptly. “Our field officers are engaging directly with the Bank, SPIU and members of SBMC to resolve any complaints swiftly,” he said.
The Conditional Cash Transfer 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.
As the distribution continues across other parts of the state, the Project Coordinator urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the support provided and to safeguard their ATM cards. He assured them that the state government, through the SPIU, remains committed to transparency and efficiency in the execution of the AGILE project.
