By Musa Solomon
The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Employment (Agile) Project has flagged off the renovation of Government Owned Public Schools in the State.
The aim of the programme is to strengthen schools systems and improve the learning environment in schools across the State.
Flagging off the Projects in Government House on Thursday in Lokoja, the State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo said the renovation of 728 Government Owned Public Schools in the State is a demonstration of government resolve to invest in the future of the State through Education.
According to him, the renovation of 728 Government Owned Public Schools is not just an intervention but a bold statement of intent that every child in the State deserves a decent place to learn and teachers deserve an environment that supports excellence.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor Comrade. Joel Oyibo Salifu opined that the State Government will support the Education Sector with infrastructure, inclusive and conducive environment for learning, noting that no meaningful development can take place without a strong and functional Education System.
He commended the First Lady of the State Hajia. Sefinat Usman Ododo for her strong advocacy and commitment to the AGILE project and also the development partners for their collaboration and technical support.
The Governor who also commended the Commissioner for Education Hon. Wemi Jones and the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) for their diligence and tireless efforts in the planning and coordination of the AGILE project urged the School Based Management Committee to take full ownership of the Projects as the sustainability of the projects largely depends on them.
Speaking the State Commissioner for Education Hon. Wemi Jones commended the State Governor for his commitment and unwavering support to Education in the area of funding and infrastructural development.
The Government he said has spent over 1.4billion Naira on the payment of the 2026 exit and entry examination fees for learners in public schools in the State, noting that the State is determined to reduce poverty and other social vices in the State through Education.
He urged the School Based Management Committee and the Technical Service Providers who are the major anchors of the projects to take ownership of the programme by ensuring that the jobs are done well, warning that anyone who mismanaged the resources will be punished.
In his address, the AGILE State Coordinator, Comrade Tijani Oricha described the flag off as the reaffirmation of the State Government investment in the future of the children and the prosperity of the State.
He commended the Governor, for his visionary leadership and prioritisation of education as the driver of sustainable development.
According to him, the renovation will improve safety, enhance attendance, boost teachers morale and will lead to better learning outcomes for the Girls Child in particular.
He called on the School Based Management Committees as the custodians of the Projects at the level of the Community to take full responsibility by protecting, monitoring and ensuring that every resource deployed has a lasting impact on the Projects.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Obaro of Kabba. His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi commended the State Government for the investment so far made in education and assured that the traditional institution in the State will work with School Based Management Committee to ensure that quality jobs are done in accordance with the contract specifications.
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