Sokoto’s first lady, Fatima Aliyu, on Thursday launched the disbursement of cash support to 41,821 female students under the ‘Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment’ project.

The disbursement was part of a Conditional Cash Transfer programme aimed at advancing girl-child education in Sokoto.

Ms Aliyu said the initiative aimed to support the girls financially, helping them overcome economic challenges and continue their education without interruption.

“I am pleased to learn that the AGILE project is significantly contributing to reducing the burden of out-of-school children in our communities by increasing secondary school enrolment among adolescent girls in Nigeria.

“It is on the strength of the impact of the project that more states are benefiting from education support. By educating girls, AGILE is helping to build a more just and prosperous society,” Ms Aliyu said.

She urged the beneficiaries and their families to ensure the judicious use of the funds by maintaining school attendance and focusing on their studies for the future.

The national coordinator of AGILE, Fatima Buba-Haruna, stated that the CCT programme is a vital AGILE strategy to enhance the enrolment, retention, and transition of girls in public secondary schools.

Ms Buba-Haruna expressed hope that the CCT initiative would deliver long-term benefits and transform the lives of many girls.

“The success of AGILE also reaffirms the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to focus on education as an essential pillar of development by providing unhindered access to quality education for every Nigerian child.

“AGILE showcased empowerment of girls through education and celebration of talents, creativity, and excellence of Nigerian children.

“The additional financing to other states is a testament to the project’s impact and a bold step toward deepening its reach and sustainability,” she said.