Kwara Govt Launches Skills Empowerment Drive for 1,200 Out-of-School Girls and Young Women
Kwara State Government has flagged off a skills acquisition initiative targeting 1,200 beneficiaries across the state, in a bid to reduce poverty and promote economic self-reliance among girls and young women
The project, implemented under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), is designed to give a second chance to girls between ages 15 and 25 who dropped out of school or never accessed secondary education. The intervention includes vocational training, literacy and numeracy education.
Speaking at a sensitization programme in Amoyo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, the Project Coordinator of AGILE, Mr. Adeshina Salami, explained that the initiative is rooted in creating a pathway for young women to thrive.
“We are offering second chance education to ensure that no girl is left behind. Once registered with AGILE, beneficiaries will have access to our 20 training centres coordinated by the Agency for Mass Education. These centres will offer not just skills but knowledge that can change lives,” Salami stated.
He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to encourage eligible young women to enroll, adding that the programme would be expanded to more local government areas across the state.
Mrs. Omolola Ayanshola, the Second Chance Officer for the AGILE project, described the effort as a transformative opportunity for girls who once thought their educational journey was over.
“This is about helping young women become the best versions of themselves. It’s not just training; it’s about restoring hope and dignity,” she said, while commending the Agency for Mass Education for its collaboration.
Dr. Christy Abayomi-Oluwole, CEO of Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOWHOC), said that classes would begin immediately at the various centres, each with the capacity to train up to 60 learners. She called for wider community participation and increased enrolment.
The traditional ruler of Amoyo, Oba Jamiu Oyebola, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for providing young women with an opportunity to become economically empowered.
“We stand with the government on this. It’s a project that brings real value to our communities and I will do all I can to support its success,” the monarch assured.
The AGILE team also visited communities in Asa Local Government Area, including Ogbondoroko and Reke, where residents expressed readiness to mobilize eligible girls. Sensitization continued at Baboko Secondary School in Ilorin West, with representatives from Ilorin East and Ilorin South also showing strong support.
The programme is expected to serve as a tool for long-term social change, by not only giving girls a second chance at learning but also breaking the cycle of poverty in vulnerable communities.
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