By Asile Abel Jos
As part of efforts in improving the standard of education in the state, the Plateau State Government said we are committed to improving the Girl-child Education’s growth in the state.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang who was ably represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the State SGS, Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau FNIA, stated this while inaugurating the steering committee of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) held at Crest Hotel and Gardens, Old Airport road, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Governor while inaugurating members of the State Steering Committee urged them to be dedicated in the discharge of their respective duties.
He said as a Government, we’ll support AGILE to boost their functions and to give them the required counterpart funding because it is a World Bank funded project, adding ,“ The State Government needs to also play its own part, you know it’s a big project and it costs a lot of money. For Government to participate and to play its own role, is to give its counterpart funding, which is a major support”.
Jatau added that during the last administration, all those things were neglected, that’s why we found the projects in comatose the time we came in and we are trying to resuscitate them and they are picking up.
He said educating the Girl-child is important and empowering them with a requisite skill is for the betterment of the society.
Giving the briefing on the activities of AGILE, Acting Coordinator, Dachung Thomas said the programme has ensured the increase in enrollment of the girl child in schools as well as securing grants which was disbursed to 609 schools for renovation and purchase of ICT materials amongst others.
Chairman of the Committee and State Commissioner for Secondary Education,Hon Alh. Mohammed Nyalung who adopted the work plan, assured their commitment to the success of the programme
The AGILE lead Coordinator, Grace Nyam explianed the roles of the new steering committee which amongst others is to review the implementation of the sub project and address critical issues that can hinder it.
The Members of the committee include the State Commissioner for Education Secondary as Chairman, Coommissioners of Finance, Women Affairs, Health, Youth and Sport Development, Environment and the Acting Executive Chairman of SUBEB as Members.
Others are, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Zonnal Directors, Education Secretaries and Project Coordinator AGILE who is to serve as Secretary.
Goodwill messages at the event came from CAN, JNI, Traditional rulers and other top government functionaries.
