The Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of its project in Kogi.

Bello Abdulhakeem, the coordinator of the AGILE project in Kogi, made the call at a sensitisation and stakeholders’ engagement programme on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Mr Abdulhakeem said AGILE, a World Bank-assisted initiative under the Federal Ministry of Education, was aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged 10 to 20.

He stressed that AGILE would foster an enabling environment for girls by promoting social and behavioural change, equipping them with critical life skills, and providing financial incentives and scholarships to those in public secondary schools.

Mr Abdulhakeem noted that the sensitisation programme remained a platform to engage relevant stakeholders in finding effective strategies to address challenges in girls’ education across the state.

He urged stakeholders to remain actively involved, engage with schools in their communities, and provide necessary feedback to AGILE for continuous improvement.

Also speaking, Kogi AGILE’s spokesman, Bishop Aturu, stressed the need for accurate and reliable data to aid effective planning and ensure a smooth implementation process.

Meanwhile, stakeholders at the event commended the AGILE initiative and the efforts of the coordinator and his team in fostering inclusive participation.

They reiterated the need for continuous training and motivation of teachers to improve the quality of education delivery.

Representing persons with disabilities, Ibrahim Arome, the immediate past chairman of the Kogi Board of Disability, lauded AGILE for prioritising inclusivity.

Mr Arome called for the establishment of a school for the deaf and dumb in the state and the construction of infrastructure that ensures accessibility for PWDs.

Stakeholders at the event include representatives from NGOs, religious and traditional institutions, FIDA, media organisations, government agencies, women’s groups, and other key stakeholders. 

(NAN)