The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has unveiled a bold programme to tackle the rising number of out-of-school girls.

State AGILE Project Coordinator, Ahmed Oricha, announced this on Saturday in Anyigba during a statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation engagement on the “Second Chance Education” initiative.

Mr Oricha said the programme, with the theme, “Every Girl Deserves a Second Chance to Learn,” seeks to restore hope and dignity to girls whose education was cut short.

He explained that many girls face disruptions due to poverty, early marriage, or other social barriers, and need renewed opportunities to pursue education.

He noted that the AGILE team had engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, youth groups, parents, out-of-school girls, and community influencers across Kogi’s senatorial districts.

Mr Oricha described the initiative as a timely intervention that would help young women rewrite their stories and become productive contributors to society.

He said the programme was designed to provide literacy, life skills, vocational training, and empowerment tailored for adolescent girls and young women in the state.

Mr Oricha stated, “It provides free non-formal learning centres, literacy and numeracy training, livelihood skills, and health and wellbeing education.”

He highlighted the importance of communication and community involvement in guaranteeing the programme’s success.

Mr Oricha also commended the state governor, Ahmed Ododo, for his commitment to the AGILE Project, noting his passion for citizen welfare, particularly the education of girls.

Earlier, Component Lead for Second Chance Education, Mariam Bello, shared her personal story of overcoming barriers to complete her education, inspiring participants and stakeholders.

Ms Bello stated that her journey underscored the need to give girls learning opportunities, regardless of setbacks or difficult backgrounds.

Key AGILE members in their separate presentations emphasised that educating a girl creates ripple effects, improving families, communities, and society at large.

They called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to give their full support to the initiative.

AGILE’s Environmental Lead, Michael Olatunde and Communication Specialist, Bishop Aturu, explained the project’s strategies and implementation approaches.

Executive Director of the Agency for Non-Formal Education, Tsebeje Jonathan, pledged his agency’s strong partnership with AGILE.

The Ogohi of Ayingba, Abu Okolo, praised the AGILE team and promised support for the Second Chance Education programme.

Stakeholders lauded the initiative, describing it as a lifeline capable of lifting families out of poverty and strengthening the state’s future development.

(NAN)