The Delta State Government has inaugurated the State Steering Committee for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, a $10m World Bank-supported programme designed to expand access to quality secondary education and empower girls between ages 10 and 20.

The inauguration, held at the Office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, brought together commissioners, permanent secretaries and representatives of relevant government agencies to strengthen coordination, implementation and oversight of the initiative.

The committee is expected to provide strategic direction for the AGILE Project in the state, ensuring effective collaboration among participating ministries, departments and agencies.

The project will also support efforts to improve girls’ enrolment, retention and completion of secondary education.

The initiative particularly focuses on addressing barriers that prevent adolescent girls from accessing and completing quality secondary education, while creating opportunities for their personal, social and economic empowerment.

The inauguration indicated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and ensuring that more adolescent girls have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, with the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development serving as co-chairman.

Other members included Commissioners for Primary Education, Commissioners for Finance, Commissioners for Economic Planning, Commissioners for Health, Commissioners for Information, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Secondary Education, Permanent Secretary, Post-Primary Education Board, Permanent Secretary, State Universal Education Board, one representative of NGOs/CSOs, and one representative of Local Government Education Authority.

Speaking at the meeting, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Lucky Nkemachor, explained that AGILE is designed to expand opportunities for girls’ education, improve enrolment, retention, and completion rates, and address barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, inadequate infrastructure, and safety concerns.

He noted that the project will provide support through improved school facilities, life skills training, financial assistance to vulnerable households, and digital learning opportunities.

The project coordinator further revealed that Delta State, as a newly on-boarded limited funding state, will initially focus on rehabilitation of existing school infrastructure, including classrooms, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and learning materials.

He added that the project is supported by a World Bank facility of US$10 million, with an initial US$1 million already accessed for commencement activities.

Members of the Steering Committee pledged strong commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective coordination in the implementation of the project. They also emphasised the need for community engagement and inter-ministerial collaboration to address social and cultural barriers affecting girls’ education.

The Committee is expected to provide strategic oversight, monitor progress, and ensure that AGILE interventions reach intended beneficiaries across the state.