By Hussaini Yero, Funtua Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has launched a landmark empowerment programme targeting 8,225 ado...
By Hussaini Yero, Funtua
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has launched a landmark empowerment programme targeting 8,225 adolescent girls from vulnerable households across the state’s 14 local government areas.
The disbursement of conditional cash transfers commenced on Wednesday during a ceremony held at Garba Nadama Hall, J.B. Yakubu State Secretariat in Gusau. The initiative falls under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) projects.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the poorest and most vulnerable communities to support their education.
According to the statement, each secondary school girl will receive an initial payment of ₦40,000 to aid their enrolment and retention in school. Additional payments of ₦10,000 each will follow for the second and third terms, bringing total annual support to ₦60,000 per student. A total of ₦322 million has been approved for this first batch of beneficiaries, while preparations are underway for the next phase.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling barriers hindering girls’ education in Zamfara. He noted that the initiative was part of a broader agenda focused on education, inclusive development, social protection, and environmental sustainability.
“Education remains a top priority of our administration,” Governor Lawal said. “We are committed to removing every obstacle—economic, infrastructural, or social—that prevents our daughters from accessing quality education. When you educate a girl, you educate a community.”
In addition to the AGILE programme, the governor announced the disbursement of Community Revolving Funds under the ACReSAL project to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda local government areas. He explained that the fund was designed to promote grassroots environmental sustainability, support small businesses, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
“Our goal is to foster resilience and promote sustainable development,” he added. “This fund is not just financial aid—it is an investment in the future of our communities.”
Governor Lawal commended the efforts of the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, Education, Science and Technology, and the technical partners for their role in implementing these projects.
He further assured the people of Zamfara that his administration would continue to implement transparent and impactful programmes, especially at the grassroots level.
“To the beneficiaries, I urge you to see what you receive today as a seed—nurture it, grow it, and let it blossom into lasting change for yourselves, your families, and your communities,” he concluded.
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