*As Traditional, Religious Leaders, Stakeholders reaffirm commitment to Girl Child empowerment.
By Bishop Aturu
The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with a colorful road walk and stakeholders’ engagement.
The walk is aimed at amplifying the voices of girls and reaffirming collective commitment toward their education, leadership, and empowerment.
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The event, held in Lokoja, drew wide participation from traditional rulers, religious leaders, ANCOPPS, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and government representatives. The Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs, Jamatul Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were also actively represented.
In his welcome address, the Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Oricha, described the day as a global reminder of the need to continue promoting the rights, voices, and potential of girls everywhere.
Speaking on the theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead” and the core message: “Education equips girls to respond, rebuild, and lead change,” Oricha, emphasised that girls are not mere beneficiaries of progress but key drivers of transformation in their families and communities.
He added that “Girls hold the power, ideas, and courage to shape a brighter and fairer future. Through education, they acquire the strength to respond to challenges, rebuild their lives and communities, and lead meaningful change,” he stated.
He noted that the AGILE project implemented in collaboration with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Education, is committed to ensuring that no girl is left behind.
Through interventions that provide access to safe and inclusive schools, improved learning environments, digital and life skills training, and enhanced community engagement, the project is transforming the educational landscape for adolescent girls across Kogi State.
The Project Coordinator appreciated the continuous support of parents, teachers, and community leaders, urging them to remain steadfast in nurturing an environment where every girl can thrive.
“Together, let us commit to building a future where every girl in Kogi State is educated, confident, and empowered to respond, rebuild, and lead change,” he added.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Ohiogba of Mozum and Provost of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Khalid Bukar, commended AGILE for its consistent role in advancing girls’ education and leadership development in the state.
He encouraged the girls to stay disciplined and focused, stressing that obedience, respect, and perseverance remain key ingredients for success.
“To our daughters gathered here today, you are the leaders of tomorrow. May your paths be guided by wisdom, courage, and purpose. The future is yours, lead with strength and compassion,” the traditional ruler prayed.
Also speaking, a representative of the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs, Amin Ajara, applauded AGILE’s dedication to advocacy and pledged the Ministry’s continued partnership in implementing programs that promote gender equality and safeguard the rights of girls.
Representatives of ANCOPPS, JNI, CAN, and the media equally pledged sustained collaboration with AGILE to ensure every girl in Kogi State has access to education, safety, and empowerment opportunities.
The event climaxed with an energetic road walk across major streets of Lokoja, where participants displayed colorful placards carrying bold and inspiring messages.
The celebration reinforced AGILE’s vision of building a generation of confident, educated, and empowered girls who are capable of responding, rebuilding, and leading change in their communities and beyond.
