The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has called for an end to child marriage and increased investment in girls’ rights and education as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The celebration, held at GYB Model College in Lokoja, brought together students from the host school and other secondary schools across the state to commemorate the day under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Child Rights.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for girls and ensuring equal opportunities for their development.
Jones said this year’s theme reinforced the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to protecting the girl child and supporting her education.
He said the state government is working closely with the AGILE Project to address challenges affecting girl child education through interventions aimed at improving their learning environment.
“The government is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the state,” Jones said.
The commissioner urged girls to remain focused and embrace learning opportunities, assuring that the government will continue to provide the necessary support for their education.
He also warned against exploitation and abuse of young girls, describing such acts as criminal offences that would attract appropriate sanctions under the law.
Jones said the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has dedicated departments responsible for addressing such cases, adding that the government would ensure that offenders that violates girl child rights were dealt with in accordance with the law.
Also speaking, the AGILE Project State Coordinator, Ahmed Tijani Oricha, described the initiative as a major intervention aimed at expanding learning opportunities for adolescent girls in Kogi State.
Oricha said the project, supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Government and participating state governments, is designed to improve access to education and empowerment opportunities by girls.
He noted that the Kogi State Government has continued to support the implementation of the project to ensure that its objectives were achieved.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Shiloba Goodnews expressed appreciation to the AGILE Project, the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Education, her school and other stakeholders for supporting the girl child.
She said the theme highlighted the rights of girls and the need to protect them from molestation and ensure their representation in society.
