Nasarawa State Achieves milestone in Girls' Education

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) in Nasarawa State has successfully enrolled 20,000 vulnerable adolescent out-of-school girls back into schools. This feat was accomplished under the Conditional Cash Transfer program, a crucial component of AGILE.

Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Isoga, State Project Coordinator, shared this remarkable achievement during a roundtable discussion with media executives, consultants, and journalists. Isoga emphasized the importance of providing a level playing ground for girls' education, stressing that it remains a vital tool for national development.

Isoga highlighted the negative impact of social norms on girls' education, urging traditional and religious leaders to continue enlightening their communities on the importance of educating girls. She commended Governor Abdullahi A Sule for his support to the project, expressing optimism that AGILE would have a massive impact in 2025.

A paper presentation by Madam Grace Amirikpa titled "Exploring the Impact of Media Representation on the Empowerment of Women and Girls" shed light on how media narratives shape societal perceptions of women and girls, influencing their opportunities, rights, and aspirations.

During the panel discussion, media practitioners, including Mr. Alfred Akwe, Musa Abdullahi Ogoshi, and the NUJ chairman, emphasized the need for sustained efforts in promoting girls' education. They pledged the media's support in changing the life-threatening narrative surrounding girls' education.

The participants resolved to improve media accessibility, addressing language barriers, community engagement, cost of education, and regular enlightenment programs to overcome the challenges facing girls' education. Hadiza Lamido, State Chairman of the National Association of Women Journalists, noted that girls' education, with media support, would significantly reduce infant maternal mortality, child marriage, and enhance national economic growth.