Zamfara girl child funding programme targets over 8,000 schoolgirls across 14 LGAs, supporting education and community resilience in underserved areas
Zamfara girl child funding was officially launched on Wednesday by Governor Dauda Lawal in Gusau, targeting over 8,000 secondary school girls from vulnerable households across the state’s 14 local government areas.
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The conditional cash transfer programme is being implemented in partnership with the World Bank-supported ACReSAL and AGILE projects.
It aims to increase girls’ access to quality education and reduce the dropout rate linked to poverty and early marriage.
A statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, confirmed that each beneficiary would receive ₦40,000 initially, with additional ₦10,000 tranches for the second and third academic terms, totalling ₦60,000 per session.
The first batch of 8,225 girls will share ₦322 million, with plans underway to accommodate more recipients in subsequent phases.
“We are committed to tackling and overcoming all barriers, whether economic, infrastructural or social, that prevent our daughters from accessing and completing their education,” Lawal said.
He added, “When you educate a girl, you educate a village because these educated girls grow into empowered women who uplift their families, strengthen communities and drive progress in our state.”
Beyond education support, the governor also inaugurated the disbursement of the Community Revolving Fund under the ACReSAL initiative, targeting 500 beneficiaries across Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.
The fund is designed to enhance grassroots development in response to climate-related challenges.
“Under the ACReSAL project, we disburse the Community Revolving Fund to 500 beneficiaries. The fund aims to support grassroots environmental and economic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to combating land degradation, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihoods,” Lawal explained.
He urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and transparently, stating that proper utilisation and repayment would ensure the continuity and expansion of the initiative.
“The disbursement will keep circulating within communities, benefiting more people over time. Through proper use and repayment, this initiative will exemplify financial inclusion, local resilience and sustainability accountability,” he said.
Lawal expressed appreciation to the state’s Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, and Education, Science and Technology, for their technical guidance and role in the policy rollout.
He also acknowledged the support of international development partners working with the state to improve education and climate resilience.
“Let me reassure the good people of Zamfara State that this administration will continue to pursue policies and programmes that deliver meaningful impact, especially at the grassroots,” he said.
“To the beneficiaries of these initiatives, remember that what you receive today is a seed. I urge you to nurture it, grow it and let it blossom into a tree of change for your families and your communities.”
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Governor Lawal has continued to prioritise inclusive education, rural development and sustainable community engagement as key pillars of his governance approach since assuming office in 2023.
