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By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has initiated the renovation of 728 government-owned public schools under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) intervention in the three senatorial districts of the state.
During an awards ceremony at the Government House, Lokoja on Thursday, Governor Ododo assured that his administration will continue to give top priority to the education sector.
The Governor, 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 program in the state, especially in promoting girl child education.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of this administration’s willingness to invest in our state’s future through education.
“We recognize that no meaningful development can occur without a strong and functional education system, and that such a system must be supported by safe, inclusive and learning-friendly infrastructure.
“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 renovate, upgrade and reposition them to meet the needs of modern education.
“The renovation of 728 state schools is therefore not just an intervention, it is a courageous declaration of intent.
It is a statement that every child in Kogi State deserves a dignified place to study.
It is a statement that our teachers deserve an environment that supports excellence.
And it’s a statement that this administration is determined to leave a lasting legacy in education.
“I must especially acknowledge and appreciate Her Excellency, the First Lady of Kogi State, for her strong support 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 Honorable Commissioner of Education, who also serves as the Chairman of the State Project Steering Committee, for providing effective leadership and coordination. Your dedication has been instrumental in bringing 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, coordination and implementation of this process are truly commendable.
“The level of preparation that has brought us to this point reflects your commitment to excellence and accountability, and state government deeply appreciates your work.
“I would also like to recognize the contribution of the National Project Coordination Unit and our development partners, in particular the World Bank, for their continuous technical and financial support. This collaboration remains a strong pillar for achieving sustainable results.
“Allow me to also recognize our Royal Fathers and Religious Leaders. Your influence within our communities is vital. We count on your continued support to ensure these projects are protected and sustained for the benefit of our people.
“To our development partners, especially 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 towards a shared vision.
“To the school management committees, I urge you to take full responsibility for this initiative. These projects are located within your communities and their sustainability depends largely on your vigilance and commitment.
“Ensure adequate monitoring and safeguard these investments.
To 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 live up to that responsibility.
In suspending this initiative today, we are not just starting construction work; we are sparking 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 has a real and measurable impact.
Together we will build a system that works for everyone; one that empowers our children, strengthens our communities and secures the future of our state.”
Earlier, Kogi State Project Coordinator for the Adolescent Girls Learning and Empowerment Initiative (AGILE), Tijani Oricha, disclosed that the renovation intervention is aimed at providing conducive learning environments and necessary comfort for teachers and students to enhance effective teaching and learning.
According to him, this effort would also go a long way in strengthening school systems across the state.
He appreciated the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, whose passion for the empowerment of the girl child was a great inspiration.
“As the Mother of Project AGILE in Kogi State, your support 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 grassroots level is invaluable. We count on your continued support to ensure this intervention is protected, supported and embraced by the communities it is intended to serve.
“The renovation and rehabilitation of 728 state-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, increase attendance, boost teacher morale, and ultimately lead to better learning outcomes. For girls 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.
“For school management committees, this is indeed a defining moment for you as custodians of this crucial community-level intervention. I charge you to take full ownership of these projects. Protect them, monitor them and ensure that every resource deployed results in a 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 launch the first phase of intervention in 150 selected schools across Kogi State. And we have urged TSPs to be aware of the moral and professional responsibilities that come with this important commitment. The structures you build today will shape the experiences of generations to come.
“We expect nothing less than quality, compliance with standards and on-time delivery. Accountability, transparency and excellence must guide your work at every stage.
“I would also like to emphasize that this project will be closely monitored. Every kobo invested must provide value. Every facility must meet standards. Every community must feel its impact. That is why you joined the SBMC to sign the compensation instrument to strengthen 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 this effort”
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