Education
Kogi AGILE Coordinator Hails Transparency in Distribution of CCT ATM Cards
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Project Coordinator of Kogi Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Oricha has praised the transparency and accountability in the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) ATM cards distribution to beneficiaries. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Oricha gave the commendation at Okene Secondary School, while monitoring the CCT ATM card distribution to beneficiaries across schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The visit was part of the Project Coordinator’s monitoring and oversight functions, covering several schools in the district.
Oricha said the project aims to improve girls’ education and support vulnerable families in Kogi State.
According to him, the CCT ATM card distribution initiative is a key part of the project’s broader vision to reduce financial barriers and enhance household resilience.
He expressed satisfaction with the smooth, transparent, and impactful distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) ATM cards to beneficiaries across schools in the district.
“What we are witnessing here today in Kogi Central is a testament to the commitment of the State Government and all partners working on this project,” he said.
Oricha added that the project has established grievance redress mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries can report issues and have them addressed promptly.
He commended the Component Lead and the SPIU field team for coordinating logistics, verifying beneficiaries, and ensuring distribution procedures are followed.
The Project Coordinator praised Ericlafia and team, UBA for their technical guidance in distributing ATM cards, and community engagement, crucial to the exercise’s success.
“The CCT is a key part of the AGILE Project’s broader vision to improve educational outcomes, especially for adolescent girls, by reducing financial barriers and enhancing household resilience.
“The support is expected to boost school attendance and retention while empowering families economically,” Oricha said.
Oricha urged beneficiaries to use support properly and safeguard ATM cards.
He assured that the state government, through the SPIU, remains committed to transparency and efficiency in the AGILE project.
The Component Lead, Musa Mumini Kunle, reaffirmed that the SPIU would continue working closely with communities to ensure no eligible school is left out.
The Lead Consultant, Ericlafia, Mr Richard Alabi, emphasised that grievance redress mechanisms are in place, allowing beneficiaries to report issues and have them addressed promptly.
Some beneficiaries, mostly mothers and guardians, expressed joy and relief after receiving their cards.
“This card means a lot to me and my children. I can now buy learning materials and support their schooling without worry,” said Mrs. Maryam Yusuf, a beneficiary at Okene Secondary School.
Another parent, Mr. Aliu Salihu, commended the government and the AGILE project for the intervention.
The visit was part of the Project Coordinator’s monitoring and oversight functions, covering several schools in the district such as Lenon Memorial College, OCSS Arigo, UBE JSS Eika Oku, and UBE JSS Obochehe,
Others were: UBE JSS Okengwe, Government Secondary School Okene, LGSS Upogoro, Etahi Community Secondary School, UBE JSS Esomi, GDSS Iruvucheba, Standard Okuhanatahu, LGEA Inapasi, St. John Agassa, GDSS Ahache, Anyava, and LGEA Agassa.
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Education
Kogi AGILE Project Moves to Renovate 728 Public Secondary Schools
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has commenced preparations for the large-scale renovation of 728 public secondary schools across the state’s three senatorial districts under the AGILE Project. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo disclosed this at a one-day Environmental and Social Compliance Training for Technical Service Providers under the Kogi AGILE Project, held in Lokoja.
The training, supported by the World Bank, brought together building industry professionals who will oversee the execution of the renovation works across the state.
The project’s Component 1.2, which focuses on infrastructure renewal, will kick off with the renovation of 150 public secondary schools in the first phase. The remaining 578 schools will be addressed in subsequent phases, bringing the total number of benefiting schools to 728.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, Governor Ododo emphasized that 30 Technical Service Providers were selected and trained to understand and strictly adhere to World Bank guidelines, specifications, and operational culture in project implementation.
He noted that while government can facilitate opportunities, performance and delivery rest squarely on the shoulders of the contractors.
“We can only help you secure the job; we cannot do it for you. The responsibility to deliver quality work according to specifications lies with you,” the Governor stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to repositioning the education sector.
The Governor urged Technical Service Providers (TSPs) engaged for the project to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and compliance in delivering the assignment.
In a remark, Mr. Erinms Emmanuel of the Admin/Grievance Redress Mechanism, National Project Coordinating Unit, said the AGILE Project is currently being implemented in 21 states, with seven already recording significant progress.
He urged the service providers to ensure transparency, integrity, and strict adherence to quality standards in the utilization of funds disbursed for the project, noting that proper execution is critical to safeguarding the state from financial liabilities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Kogi State Project Coordinator of AGILE, Ahmed Tijani Oricha, explained that the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of Technical Service Providers in understanding and implementing environmental and social management safeguards tied to the AGILE Project.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that renovation works across schools are safe, inclusive, environmentally responsible, and socially sustainable.
He stressed that decisions taken on-site including workforce management, community engagement, and risk mitigation must align with World Bank environmental and social safety standards, including safeguards against gender-based violence.
A Resource Person and Environmental Consultant at the National Project Coordinating Unit in Abuja, Dr. Fadele Idowu, noted that participants were equipped with comprehensive knowledge of environmental protocols and safeguard instruments required for effective project execution.
Some of the Technical Service Providers, including Architect John Attah, Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, alongside Engineers Rahimat Muhammad and Salihu Adinoyi, described the training as impactful and timely.
They pledged to comply fully with the code of conduct signed and to deliver projects in strict accordance with approved specifications.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Education
Kogi Poly Sacks Two Staff, Demotes Deputy Registrar Over Misconduct
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Governing Council of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has approved the termination of the appointment of Mr. Mukhtar Muhammed, an Administrative Officer II, for sexual molestation. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Similarly, the appointment of Mrs. Funmilayo Afolabi, an Assistant Chief Executive Officer, was terminated for absconding from duty for nine months.
The Council equally approved the demotion of a Deputy Registrar, Mr. Audu Mathew, to the rank of Principal Assistant Registrar over negligence of duty.
The Council further approved the promotion of 11 Principal Lecturers to the rank of Chief Lecturer, as well as the promotion of 572 other teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution.
These decisions were among the far-reaching resolutions taken at the 72nd Regular Meeting of the Governing Council, presided over by the Chairman, Barrister Sani Shaibu.
The Council also approved the recommendation that 49 academic staff and 71 non-teaching staff be promoted for the 2024 promotion exercise. It further approved the promotion of 225 academic staff and 227 non-teaching staff for the 2025 promotion exercise.
Earlier in his address, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, expressed his appreciation to members of the Governing Council for their presence at the meeting, describing it as a clear reflection of their steadfast commitment to the institution’s growth, stability, and sound governance.
Prof. Usman also informed the Council of the uncovering of a result forgery syndicate involving one Mr. Henry Tope, who was apprehended in possession of 30 statements of result and one original certificate, all bearing the name and insignia of the Polytechnic.
He further expressed gratitude to the Visitor to the Polytechnic and Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support, leadership, and continued guidance.
Prof. Usman stressed that Governor Ododo’s administration has provided an enabling environment that has enhanced academic stability, infrastructural development, and overall institutional growth at the Polytechnic.
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Education
NGO Heightens Advocacy for Indigenous Climate Education With Pulitzer Center
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Ace Initiative for Sustainable Development, has successfully concluded a comprehensive climate education programme supported by the Pulitzer Centre.
The event bringing together primary schools, universities, government representatives, and environmental experts in a landmark effort to expand climate literacy across Nigeria. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The project, which culminated virtually on the 27th to 28th November, unfolded in three phases: primary school outreach, an inter-university climate competition, and a high-level panel discussion.
Prof. Sade Oderinde, representing the Acting Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Prof. Adekunle Olanrewaju Adeogun, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the university’s commitment to environmental education.
The first phase introduced climate education to five public primary schools in Ijebu-Ode through engaging Yoruba-language videos adapted from Pulitzer Centre climate investigations.
Stories including “Investigation: How Big Businesses, Individuals Deplete Nigeria’s Protected Forests” by Uchenna Igwe, “Red Gold Project: Battle for the Soul of Depleting Nigerian Forest Reserve” by Taiwo Adebulu, and “Amid Deforestation Scourge, Vanishing Herbal Plants Pose Health Crisis in Southwestern Nigeria” by Abdulwaheed Sofiullahi and other Pulitzer stories were transformed into illustrated storytelling videos featuring indigenous proverbs and local examples.
Project Lead, Dr. Oluwaseun Anselm, coordinated the outreach together with Dr. Faleke Mary, the Schools Liaison Lead.
Participating schools included Emmanuel Anglican Primary School I and II, St Augustine Primary School, Olu-Ola Primary School, and Moslem Primary School.
Pre- and post-learning assessments revealed significant improvements in climate awareness, with pupils making “Climate Hero Pledges” to protect trees, conserve water, and educate their families.
The second phase brought universities students together from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria including TASFUED, University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, Federal University Kashere, Federal University of Education Zaria, Yobe State University, and University of Ilorin.
Students analysed Pulitzer stories to discuss climate challenges and propose solutions ranging from urban heat mitigation to reforestation strategies.
Institutional representatives including Dr Yakubu Salihu Muhammad (Federal University Kashere), Dr Yusuf Abdulkabir Toriola (Federal University of Education Zaria), Dr Seun Nurudeen Akorede (Ahmadu Bello University), Dr Jamiu AbdulQudus Tosin (University of Ilorin) and others, mobilised student participation.
The programme climaxed with a panel discussion opened by Prof. Oladipo Samuel, Director of Research and External Relations at TASFUED.
Distinguished panellists included Dr Godsday Usiabulu, Certified African Climate Ambassador; Prof. Oluwafemi Saibu, Professor of Economics at University of Lagos; Prof. Adefunke Ekine, Department of Childhood Education, TASFUED; and Prof. Adekunle Bamiro, Department of Chemical Sciences, TASFUED.
Other were: Dr Oluwatoyin Fatunsi, Environmental Chemist, University of Lagos; Prof. Moshood Bello, Department of Health and Safety Promotion, TASFUED; Mr Rasaq Olatunji, Forest Economist and Acting Project Manager at J4; and Prof. Zacchaeus Ojekunle, Department of Geography, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Panellists engaged with Pulitzer investigations including “How Airports Fuel Climate Change in Nigeria” by Nkrumah Bankong-Obi, “Cost of Farming: How Iseyin Women Farmers Cope with Climate Change and credit Crunch” by Francis Annagu and “Climate Shocks, Governance Gaps and the Refugee Crisis in the Sahel,” by Ibrahim Adeyemi and other stories published with support of Pulitzer Center, USA.
The programme successfully created a coherent knowledge pipeline from child-friendly indigenous narratives to advanced policy analysis.
Ace Initiative for Sustainable Development plans to expand this model to additional states, reaching more schools and strengthening climate resilience conversations nationwide.
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