The Kogi Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project says it has upheld transparency and accountability in its conditional cash transfer (CCT) ATM card distribution exercise.

The project coordinator, Ahmed Oricha, stated this on Saturday at Okene Secondary School while monitoring the distribution to beneficiaries across schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Mr Oricha said the project is designed to improve girls’ education and support vulnerable families across Kogi.

He explained that the ATM card distribution forms a key component of the project’s wider vision to ease financial barriers and strengthen household resilience.

The coordinator expressed satisfaction with the smooth and transparent distribution of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) ATM cards to schools in the senatorial district.

“What we are witnessing today in Kogi Central shows the commitment of the State Government and partners working tirelessly to achieve this project’s goals,” Mr Oricha said.

He added that the project has put in place grievance redress mechanisms to enable beneficiaries to report concerns and receive prompt resolution.

Mr Oricha praised the component lead and the SPIU field team for coordinating logistics, verifying recipients, and ensuring compliance with distribution procedures.

He also commended Ericlafia and team, alongside UBA, for their technical support in card distribution and community engagement, which were crucial to the exercise’s success.

“The CCT is central to AGILE’s vision of improving educational outcomes for adolescent girls by easing financial constraints and building stronger, resilient households,” Mr Oricha added.

He noted the support will help increase school attendance and retention while providing economic relief for families.

Mr Oricha urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and safeguard their ATM cards.

He assured that the state government, through the SPIU, remains firmly committed to transparency and efficiency in driving the AGILE project forward.
The component lead, Musa Mumini Kunle, reaffirmed that the SPIU would continue to collaborate with communities, ensuring no eligible school is excluded.

The lead consultant, Ericlafia, Richard Alabi, stressed that grievance redress mechanisms remain active, allowing beneficiaries to lodge complaints and receive fair redress.

Some beneficiaries, mostly mothers and guardians, expressed happiness after receiving their ATM cards during the exercise.

“This card means a lot to me and my children. I can now buy school materials and support their learning with ease,” said Maryam Yusuf.

Another parent, Aliu Salihu, commended the government and AGILE Project for providing such a timely intervention.

Schools visited included Okene Secondary School, Lenon Memorial College, UBE JSS Eika Oku, UBE JSS Obochehe, and BE JSS Okengwe.

The disbursement was inaugurated by Gov. Ahmed Ododo on July 28. At least 13,359 adolescent girls are expected to benefit, with each receiving N40,000.

(NAN)