‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja 

‎‎Kogi State Government on Thursday flag-off the renovation of 728 government-owned public secondary schools across the State.

‎The project is been undertaking by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project.

‎The event took place at the Glass House, Government House Lokoja, on Thursday. 

‎‎Performing the ceremony at the Glass House, Lokoja, the Governor represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, said the project shows the government’s strong commitment to improving education in Kogi State.

‎He explained that the initiative was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at giving students better learning environments.

‎‎”Many public schools in the State have been in use for many years and now need repairs and upgrades. The renovation will make schools safer, more comfortable, and better for learning.

‎‎”The government wants every child in Kogi State to learn in a good environment and every teacher to teach in better conditions.”

‎‎He thanked development partners, especially the World Bank, for their support and partnership in the project.

‎‎”We call on community members and School-Based Management Committees to take care of the projects and ensure they are properly used and protected. We urge contractors to do quality work and deliver on time, the government will not accept poor standards.”

‎‎The Governor assured the people that the government will continue to give priority to education and ensure that the project brings real improvement to schools across the State.

‎‎The Kogi State Coordinator, AGILE Project, Abdullahi Tijani Oricha, described the flag-off as a strong demonstration of Governor Ododo’s commitment to improving education and investing in the future of young people. 

‎He said, “The renovation of 728 schools is a major step toward providing better learning environments, restoring dignity to public schools, and bringing renewed hope to communities across the State. 

‎‎”The project will positively impact thousands of students and teachers by improving safety, boosting school attendance, and enhancing teaching conditions. Every kobo invested must deliver value, every structure must meet standard, and every community must feel the impact

‎‎”The event marked the official starting of one of the transformative imprint of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the education sector. This laudable projects, when completed, will restore confidence in public schools, improve  learning conditions, and create  opportunities for thousands of young people across the twenty one local government areas of the state.”