The Kwara State Government has launched the disbursement of N40,000 conditional cash transfers to at least 32,420 female students in public secondary schools, as part of efforts to boost girls' education and reduce dropout rates across the state.

Under the initiative, 898 public secondary schools will also receive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to improve access to clean water and enhance hygiene conditions in learning environments.

The intervention is being implemented through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, a World Bank supported programme targeted at improving educational outcomes for adolescent girls.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Kwara State First Lady, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described AGILE as a strategic investment in the future of young girls, aimed at ensuring they receive quality secondary education and are equipped with essential skills.

Joining the event virtually, she said the empowerment of girls with both life skills and digital literacy was central to preparing them for academic success and meaningful participation in the modern workforce.

"The project prioritises life skills education for girls, equipping them with confidence, communication skills, critical thinking, and the practical knowledge needed to navigate school, relationships, and future careers," she said.

"In today's rapidly evolving world, digital literacy has become essential, and our schools are being strengthened to provide girls with the tools and training required to thrive in a technology-driven economy."

She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his commitment to gender equity and human capital development, adding that her office and the Ajike People Support Centre will continue to support initiatives that encourage school enrollment and retention, particularly for girls.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the financial support would help remove barriers that hinder girls' educational progress.

"This Conditional Cash Transfer is not just financial support. It is a statement of faith in the dreams of every girl and an invitation to remain in school, stay focused, and rise above economic limitations," he said.

He added that the grant is not a one-off benefit. Students who attend school regularly and perform well academically will receive an additional N10,000 per term.

Parents and guardians were urged to use the funds responsibly for their intended purpose.

The State Coordinator for the AGILE project, Mr. Azeez Salami, said the programme comprises nine components, including WASH facility provision, digital literacy training, alternative education for out-of-school girls, and conditional cash transfers for the poorest households.

He noted that Kwara was the first state to pay the required N150 million counterpart fund, qualifying it for the World Bank grant.

"The singular effort of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in initiating and supporting this project is spectacular and worthy of commendation," Salami added.

The event attracted government officials, education stakeholders, students, and parents, all of whom expressed optimism about the impact of the initiative on girls' education in Kwara State.