Monthly Archives: April 2025

Traditional leaders in Sokoto State have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning Empowerment (AGILE) School facilities

The program aims to protect schools from vandalism, drugs, and other criminal activities.

Ciroman Sokoto Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar III and Sarkin Bauran Dange Alhaji Bello Usman, District Heads of Sokoto, made this commitment during a visit from Dr. Mansur Isah Buhari, state Coordinator of AGILE.

They pledged their unwavering support for the program and urged their subjects to protect AGILE facilities in secondary schools across the state.

The AGILE project seeks to enhance girl-child education and reduce street wandering among pupils by combining learning with vocational skills.

Abubakar III emphasized the importance of empowering women and orphans through skill acquisition programs.

He noted that Sokoto metropolis has only one women’s education centre and advocated for at least one vocational acquisition centre in each ward.

Abubakar III suggested providing graduates with start-up packs and renting business shops to prevent them from selling handmade items.

DDrKabiru Aliyu, representing DDrBuhari, announced plans to establish additional women’s education centres to supplement the AGILE program.

The AGILE project provides basic education, literacy, and income generation skills training to boost female participation in education.

One of its components is Water and Sanitation (WASH), which includes constructing toilets and providing boreholes for water and sanitation in beneficiary schools.

Ten secondary schools in the Dange/Shuni local government area will benefit from the AGILE project’s WASH component.

These schools include Command Secondary School, Government Girls Science Secondary School, Government Day Secondary School in Gidan Gara, and Government Day Secondary School in Fajallu.

Traditional leaders in Sokoto State have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting vocational skills in schools, aiming to enhance girlchild education and reduce street wandering among pupils.

They also pledged their unwavering support for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program, which seeks to safeguard schools from vandalism, drugs, and other criminal activities.

The District Heads of Sokoto, Ciroman Sokoto Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar III and Sarkin Bauran Dange Alhaji Bello Usman, made this commitment when they received the state Coordinator of AGILE, Dr. Mansur Isah Buhari, on an advocacy visit to their palaces.

Sokoto State Governor Flags Off AGILE Project, Unveils Logo, and Launches Key Initiatives

Sokoto State, Monday, January 27, 2025 – His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, today officially flagged off the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in the state. The ceremony marked the unveiling of the AGILE logo and the launch of several impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing education in Sokoto State.

As part of the event, the Governor inaugurated a conditional cash transfer program to support various schools in the state. Additionally, he announced a cash allocation of ₦200,000 to the principals of all secondary schools in Sokoto State to bolster educational development and improve school infrastructure.

In his welcome address, the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Professor A. L. Ala, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to improving education in the state. He emphasized the significance of the AGILE project in empowering adolescent girls and fostering educational advancement.

This initiative underscores the Sokoto State Government’s dedication to ensuring inclusive and quality education, particularly for young girls, and creating a sustainable future for all.

The Sokoto Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project is calling for deeper collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Orientation to further its impact in Sokoto State.

The appeal was made during a recent visit to the Ministry by Mansur Isa Buhari, the Project Coordinator, who emphasized the Ministry’s vital role in the project’s success, particularly in spreading information to the public.

“We believe that effective communication is key to the success of our project,” Buhari said. “The Ministry of Information is our most strategic partner in ensuring that the people of Sokoto are informed and engaged in the important educational initiatives we are working on.”

Launched in August 2023, the AGILE project aims to empower women and girls, with a special focus on education and skills development. In its first six months, the project has made significant strides in improving the lives of women and girls, but Buhari acknowledged that more work is needed as the project enters its second year.

During his visit to the Ministry, Buhari expressed gratitude for the support received so far, especially from the media professionals who have helped raise awareness about the initiative. He also called for even greater collaboration in 2025, urging the Ministry to incorporate communication and media-related activities into the project’s work plan. Specifically, Buhari highlighted the need for training local journalists and media personnel to report on girls’ education and related issues.

“We are hopeful that in the coming year, we can work together to build the capacity of our media professionals to report on the challenges and opportunities in girls’ education,” Buhari said. “This will ensure that the critical issues affecting our communities are communicated clearly and effectively.”

The AGILE project is a five-year initiative aimed at creating sustainable educational and empowerment opportunities for women and girls in Sokoto State. With the continued support of the Ministry of Information, Buhari is confident the project will thrive and leave a lasting impact on the local community.

In response, the Honorable Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi expressed full support for the initiative. He warmly welcomed Buhari and his team, acknowledging the significant work the AGILE project has accomplished. He also highlighted the project’s radio program on Vision FM, which addresses key issues, such as providing sanitation facilities for girls.

“I have been following your activities closely, and I am particularly impressed by the positive changes your project has brought to the state,” the Commissioner said. “We are 100% committed to assisting you and will work with you to ensure that the project reaches its full potential.”

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Muhammad K, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support, emphasizing the importance of reshaping public perception through information dissemination. He assured the AGILE team that the Ministry’s state-owned media platform would be fully available to help amplify the project’s messages.

“The best thing we can do is change the narrative and mindset,” Ibrahim Muhammad K said. “We will ensure the largest platform is made available to you, particularly through radio, so your messages reach every corner of the state.”

The Sokoto State Ministry for Religious Affairs has collaborated with the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) to engage Islamic Ulama in promoting girls’ education across the state.

Sunday Telegraph reports that the partnership aims to support the successful implementation of the girls’ education project.

In preparation for the upcoming AGILE renovations and construction of over 4,408 schools, scheduled to commence in February this year.

Prof Jabir Sani Maihulla, State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, expressed his ministry’s commitment to partnering with organizations that support education, health, and societal development.

He stated that the collaboration with AGILE will encourage and improve girl child education in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Maihulla, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Sani Labaran, emphasized the importance of working with AGILE to improve the situation, especially in rural areas.

By coordinating with Ulamas and Islamic preachers, the ministry aims to deliver the same message to their audience, ultimately changing the current situation of girls’ education before the end of the project.

Dr Mansur Buhari Isa, State Coordinator of the AGILE project, emphasized the importance of Ulama involvement.

“As Ulama, they should be involved in all AGILE activities in their communities. They will serve as the eyes and ears of their society, ensuring the project’s success.”

The project aims to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for improving girls’ education in Sokoto State.