By Bishop Aturu
The Ata of Igala and Chairman Kogi State Traditional Council, HRM Matthew Opaluwa, has thrown his weight behind the successful implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), project in the state.
The paramount ruler gave the assurance when the AGILE team led by the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, paid an advocacy visit to his palace in Idah, Kogi East Senatorial district.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdulhakeem, said the visit was part of the strategic move to deepen community engagement and ensure the sustainability of of the AGILE project, aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in 18 participating states, including Kogi.
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Dr Abdulhakeem gave a comprehensive overview of AGILE’s objectives, emphasising its potential to improve educational opportunities for adolescent girls, strengthen school systems, and foster community development.
The project coordinator highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in driving awareness and ensuring grassroots acceptance of the initiative.
He further sought the royal leaders’ support and blessings, underscoring the importance of their influence in mobilizing community members for the success of the project.
In his response, the Ata was represented by the Inalogu Ata Igala, HRH, Ajofe Ibrahim Atadoga, commended the project’s vision and affirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance education and social development in Kogi State.
The royal father stressed that the impact could be further enhanced through the provision of basic educational amenities, which the AGILE project is set to achieve.
He emphasised the vital roles of traditional leaders as advocates for change and development in educational reform, assuring the project team of their commitment to championing the objectives of AGILE.
Also speaking, the Ejeh Ankpa, and Chairman Ankpa Traditional Council, HRH Alh. Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu, acknowledged the importance of education and its transformative impact on adolescent girls.
Other traditional rulers in attendance, jointly stressed the need for the project’s long-term sustainability, and pledged their commitment to amplify AGILE’s message within their respective communities to enhance engagement and ensure the project’s success
They assured the team of their continuous advocacy for the initiative to make sure that its objectives reached the grassroots for wider acceptance and implementation.
This landmark engagement with the Igala traditional council marks another critical step in AGILE’s mission to create an inclusive educational framework for adolescent girls in Kogi State.
With royal backing, the project is poised to gain greater acceptance and long-term impact within local communities.
The Ata Igala, in recognition of his leadership and dedication to education, was officially named an Ambassador of Kogi AGILE, to further solidify the traditional institution’s endorsement and commitment to the project’s sustainability.
Also, in recognition of his support and commitment, the Ejeh Ankpa, was also named an Ambassador of Kogi AGILE, reinforcing the project’s strong ties with traditional institutions.
