Africa
THE Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project has begun distribution of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to 33,696 pupils in Jigawa.
The ATM cards are being distributed to the beneficiaries under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) component 2.3 of the programme.
Hajiya Binta Gambo, Deputy Lead, CCT Component 2.3, said this at the inauguration of the distribution exercise in Dutse on Monday.
Gambo said that the beneficiaries drawn from two cohorts comprised 10,979 under the 2024/2025 cycle, and 22,717 of the 2025/2026 cycle.
She said that 14,959 ATM cards were distributed in the first batch of the exercise across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The official said that the distribution exercise was being conducted through the National Identification Number (NIN) verification serving as a key requirement for authentication.
“The money is an educational support to enable students to purchase essential items needed when returning to school such as school uniforms, bags, books and other basic educational materials,” she said.
According to Gambo, the exercise is being facilitated by the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), and Jigawa Savings and Loan Ltd.
She urged parents and caregivers to use the money for the intended educational purpose, and avoid withdrawing it for unrelated needs.
Malam Babawuro Fate, State Project Coordinator, AGILE, said that the intervention was designed to help address financial barriers that could prevent girls from accessing and remaining in school.
He assured that the distribution process would be transparent, organised and accountable.
Fate commended personnel of the project, financial institutions, security agencies, local government education authorities and School-Based Management Committees (SBMC) for their support. (NAN)
A.I
Sept. 8, 2026
Tags: Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment AGILE Hajiya Binta Gambo