Over 30,000 girls in northern Nigeria empowered to avert early marriage, sexual exploitation 

By Yagana Ali Yola 

The AGILE project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the area of education. 

The project recognizes the significant challenges faced by girls in the northern region, including gender inequality, early marriage, and limited access to education.

The commissioner for education in Adamawa state, Garba Umar pella who made this known to newsmen, said that many girls are faced with significant barriers to education, particularly as they transitions from primary to secondary school. 

This, according to him, is often due to cultural and societal norms that prioritize boys’ education over girls’. 

“Girls in this age group face unique challenges, including menstruation, puberty, and increased vulnerability to exploitation.

The AGILE project seeks to address these challenges by providing support and dignity to adolescent girls in school. 

The project includes the distribution of dignity utility cards, which will enable girls to access funding and other resources. 

The cards will be given to each girl, allowing them to access the funds and use them as needed.

According to Pella the project aims to benefit approximately 30,000 adolescent girls in public schools, including co-educational and girls’ schools. 

“The target age group is between 10 and 18 years old, with a focus on girls who are transitioning from primary to secondary school” he said 

The project’s focus on girls is due to the significant gender disparity in education in Northern Nigeria. Girls in this region face unique challenges that can impact their education and future prospects. 

By supporting girls, the project aims to promote gender equality and empower them to reach their full potential.

The commissioner said the project has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria. 

“By providing support and dignity, the project can help girls overcome the challenges they face and achieve their educational goals” Pella said 

” This, in turn, can have a positive impact on their future prospects and contribute to the development of their communities” he said

The AGILE project is a vital initiative that aims to support adolescent girls in Northern Nigeria. 

By providing dignity utility cards and other resources, the project can help girls overcome the challenges they face and achieve their educational goals. 

With a focus on girls, the project can help promote gender equality and empower them to reach their full potential.