The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering adolescent girls through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, gave the assurance at the commencement of the AGILE’s project Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Safe Spaces Manual on Tuesday in Lokoja.

 Mr Jones, who declared the training open, said it marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to provide structured psychosocial and life skills education to young girls in the state.

 He emphasised the importance of collaboration and commitment to the project’s success.

 Mr Jones commended the new leadership of the Kogi AGILE Project, Ahmed Oricha, for demonstrating visible momentum and commitment to delivering on key mandates.

He also lauded the implementing firm, the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), for conducting itself with commendable professionalism.

 The commissioner urged NISD to approach the training with depth, care, and clarity and encouraged master trainers to learn, unlearn, and remain professional.

 Mr Jones said, “This is a defining moment for Kogi State, and it is a call to duty for all stakeholders.’’

 He emphasised that the Kogi State Government remained fully invested in the success of AGILE and would continue to provide every necessary support.

 Jones reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmed Ododo to prioritising quality education in the state and promoting girl’s child education.

 In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Oricha, described the Safe Spaces Manual as a transformative guide designed to empower adolescent girls.

He stressed that it would boost the girls’ self-esteem, equip them with vital life skills, and protect their mental health.

 Mr Oricha commended the commissioner for his presence, constant support, and thanked the World Bank and NPCU for their partnership.

 “We are not only training facilitators, but we are also planting seeds of confidence, resilience, and leadership in the hearts of our girls,” Mr Oricha said.

 On his part, the Component Lead, World Bank and NPCU, Abraham Sunday, congratulated the Kogi AGILE team for taking ownership and accelerating implementation.

 Mr Sunday stressed the importance of fidelity to the training manual, proper engagement with adolescent girls, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism throughout the process.

According to him, the Safe Spaces initiative provides girls with safe, confidential, and nurturing environments to explore their identity and build life skills.

“Safe Spaces initiative is one of the most vital pillars of the AGILE project, providing girls with safe, confidential, and nurturing environments,” Mr Sunday said.

(NAN)