In a bid to tackle barriers to girls’ education and improve access among vulnerable communities, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has flagged off a conditional cash transfer programme benefiting 8,225 secondary schoolgirls across the state.
The initiative, launched Wednesday in Gusau, is part of a broader collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) projects.
Under the programme, each student will receive ₦60,000 in total—₦40,000 disbursed immediately and two subsequent payments of ₦10,000 each for the second and third school terms.
According to a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, a total of ₦322 million has been approved for the first batch of beneficiaries, who were drawn from economically disadvantaged households across all 14 local government areas in the state.
Governor Lawal described the initiative as part of his administration’s larger push to reform education, promote social protection, and ensure inclusive development.
“We are determined to dismantle every economic, social, or infrastructural barrier that hinders our daughters from staying in school,” Lawal said at the rollout ceremony.
He emphasized the long-term value of girls’ education, stating, “An educated girl grows into an empowered woman who lifts her family, builds stronger communities, and drives sustainable progress.”
Community Fund Also Launched
In a related move, Governor Lawal also inaugurated the Community Revolving Fund under the ACReSAL project, targeting 500 beneficiaries across Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.
The fund is aimed at supporting grassroots environmental and economic initiatives, particularly in areas affected by land degradation and climate-related challenges.
“This fund will empower rural women, young entrepreneurs, and underserved households through sustainable financing,” the governor said, urging recipients to utilize the resources responsibly and ensure transparency in repayment so the fund can continue circulating within communities.
Collaborative Effort
The governor praised the ministries of Education, Environment and Natural Resources, as well as technical partners for their roles in implementing both initiatives.
He assured residents that the government will remain committed to impactful programmes that benefit the grassroots.
“These grants are more than handouts—they’re seeds of transformation. It’s now up to the beneficiaries to grow them into lasting change,” Lawal concluded.