The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project has begun distributing automated teller machine cards to 33,696 pupils in Jigawa.

The ATM cards are being distributed to the beneficiaries under the Conditional Cash Transfer component 2.3 of the programme.

Binta Gambo, deputy lead for CCT Component 2.3, said this at the inauguration of the distribution exercise in Dutse on Monday.

Ms Gambo said the beneficiaries drawn from two cohorts comprised 10,979 under the 2024/2025 cycle and 22,717 under the 2025/2026 cycle. She said the first batch of the exercise distributed 14,959 ATM cards across the state’s 27 local government areas.

The official said the distribution exercise was conducted through National Identification Number (NIN) verification, which served as a key authentication requirement.

“The money is an educational support to enable students to purchase essential items needed when returning to school, such as school uniforms, bags, books and other basic educational materials,” she said.

According to Ms Gambo, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Jigawa Savings and Loan Ltd are facilitating the exercise.

She urged parents and caregivers to use the money for the intended educational purpose and avoid withdrawing it for unrelated needs.

Babawuro Fate, AGILE project coordinator in Jigawa, said that the intervention was designed to help address financial barriers that could prevent girls from accessing and remaining in school.

He assured that the distribution process would be transparent, organised and accountable.

Mr Fate commended project personnel, financial institutions, security agencies, local government education authorities, and School-Based Management Committees for their support.

(NAN)