From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has launched the renovation of 728 Government-owned Public Schools under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) intervention across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
Governor Ododo while performing the flag off ceremony at the Government House, Lokoja, on Thursday, gave an assurance that his administration will continue to accord education sector topmost priority.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the transformation of the education sector in Kogi State.
Ododo commended Kogi AGILE for its intervention programme in the state particularly in the promotion of Girl Child education.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of this administration’s resolve to invest in the future of our State through education.
“We recognize that no meaningful development can take place without a strong and functional education system, and that system must be supported by infrastructure that is safe, inclusive, and conducive for learning.
“Across the State, many of our schools have served communities for decades. While they have played their role in shaping lives, the time has come to renew, upgrade, and reposition them to meet the demands of modern education.
“The renovation of 728 government-owned schools is therefore not just an intervention, it is a bold statement of intent.
It is a statement that every child in Kogi State deserves a decent place to learn.
It is a statement that our teachers deserve an environment that supports excellence.
And it is a statement that this administration is determined to leave a lasting legacy in the education sector.
“I must specially acknowledge and appreciate Her Excellency, the First Lady of Kogi State, for her strong advocacy and commitment to the AGILE Project. Your passion for the girl child and your unwavering support have continued to give strength and direction to this initiative.
“I also commend the Honourable Commissioner for Education, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Project Steering Committee, for providing effective leadership and coordination. Your dedication has been instrumental in driving this process to this important stage.
“At this juncture, it is important to recognize and appreciate the State Project Coordinator and the entire State Project Implementation Unit. Your diligence, professionalism, and tireless efforts in planning, coordinating, and driving this process to fruition are truly commendable.
“The level of preparation that has brought us to this point reflects your commitment to excellence and accountability, and the State Government deeply appreciates your work.
“Let me also acknowledge the contributions of the National Project Coordinating Unit and our development partners, particularly the World Bank, for their continued technical and financial support. This collaboration remains a strong pillar in achieving sustainable results.
“Let me also recognize our Royal Fathers and Religious Leaders. Your influence within our communities is critical. We rely on your continued support to ensure that these projects are protected and sustained for the benefit of our people.
“To our development partners, particularly the World Bank, we appreciate your collaboration and technical support. This partnership continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when governments and institutions work together toward a shared vision.
“To the schools based Management Committees, I urge you to take full ownership of this initiative. These projects are located within your communities, and their sustainability depends largely on your vigilance and commitment.
“Ensure proper monitoring and safeguard these investments.
To the Technical Service Providers, let me be clear this administration expects quality, transparency, and timely delivery. There will be no compromise on standards.
“The work you do here will speak for years to come, and you must rise to that responsibility.
As we flag off this initiative today, we are not just starting construction work; we are igniting transformation. We are restoring confidence in our public schools, improving learning conditions, and creating opportunities for thousands of young people across Kogi State.
“My administration will continue to prioritize education and ensure that every intervention delivers real and measurable impact.
Together, we will build a system that works for all; one that empowers our children, strengthens our communities, and secures the future of our State”
Earlier, the Kogi State Project Coordinator of Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Tijani Oricha disclosed that the renovation intervention is aimed at providing conducive learning environments and the needed comfort for teachers and students to enhance effective teaching and learning.
According to him, the effort would also go a long way in strengthening school systems generally across the state.
He appreciated the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, whose passion for the empowerment of the girl child has been greatly inspiring.
“As the Mother of the AGILE Project in Kogi State, your advocacy and dedication have continued to give life and direction to this initiative and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
“We respectfully acknowledge and appreciate our revered Royal Fathers and Religious Leaders whose influence in shaping values, guiding communities, and mobilizing support at the grassroots level is invaluable. We count on your continued support to ensure that this intervention is protected, sustained, and embraced by the communities it is meant to serve.
“The renovation and rehabilitation of 728 government-owned schools across Kogi State represents one of the most far-reaching investments in the education sector in recent times. This is not just a number, it is 728 opportunities to change learning environments, 728 platforms to restore dignity to education, and 728 communities that will experience renewed hope.
“This initiative will directly impact thousands of students and teachers across the State. It will improve safety, enhance attendance, boost teacher morale, and ultimately lead to better learning outcomes. For the girl child in particular, it creates a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages retention, participation, and success. Ladies and gentlemen, this is how we build the future intentionally, inclusively, and sustainably.
“To the School-Based Management Committees, this is actually a defining moment for you as the custodians of this crucial intervention at the community level. I charge you to take full ownership of these projects. Protect them, monitor them, and ensure that every resource deployed translates into visible and lasting impact. The success of this initiative at the grassroots level depends largely on your commitment and vigilance.
“We have carefully chosen 30 Technical Service Providers to commence the first phase of intervention in 150 selected schools across Kogi State. And we urged the TSPs to be conscious of the moral and professional responsibilities that comes with this important engagement. The structures you build today will shape the experiences of generations to come.
“We expect nothing short of quality, adherence to standards, and timely delivery. Accountability, transparency, and excellence must guide your work at every stage.
“Let me also emphasize that this project will be closely monitored. Every kobo invested must deliver value. Every structure must meet standard. Every community must feel the impact. That is why you joined the SBMC to signed the indemnity instrument to entrench commitment to service delivery”
“Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has done very well in ensuring that children have access to quality education hence the need for AGILE to complement that effort”
