Governor Dauda Lawal has commenced the distribution of conditional cash transfers to 8,225 adolescent girls across the 14 local government areas of Zamfara State, as part of efforts to boost girl-child education and reduce the dropout rate among vulnerable groups.
The disbursement ceremony was held on Wednesday at Garba Nadama Hall, J.B. Yakubu State Secretariat in Gusau, where the governor officially flagged off the ACReSAL and AGILE Projects aimed at supporting education and environmental resilience.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the selected schoolgirls came from the poorest and most vulnerable households in the state.
Beneficiaries to receive ₦60,000 in tranches
According to the statement, each beneficiary will initially receive ₦40,000, with additional tranches of ₦10,000 each for the second and third terms, totalling ₦60,000 per academic session.
“A total sum of ₦322 million has been approved for this first batch,” the statement noted.
“Arrangements are ongoing for the second batch of beneficiaries.”
Governor Lawal emphasized that this financial support aligns with his administration’s commitment to inclusive education, gender empowerment, social protection, and climate resilience.
ACReSAL support fund targets climate, livelihood challenges
As part of the ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes) project, the governor also disbursed a Community Revolving Fund to 500 beneficiaries from Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda LGAs.
“Our communities face daily hardships. This revolving fund is designed to support women-led businesses, youth development, and rural households, offering sustainable, accountable funding to promote environmental protection and economic resilience,” Lawal said.
He encouraged recipients to use the funds transparently and wisely, stating that the money would continue to circulate within the community through repayments, fostering financial inclusion and grassroots development.
Reiterating that education is central to his administration’s agenda, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his resolve to eliminate barriers to girls’ education, whether economic, social, or infrastructural.
“When you educate a girl, you educate a village,” he said.
“Educated girls become empowered women who uplift families, strengthen communities, and accelerate progress.”
Government promises continued impact at grassroots level
Governor Lawal commended the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, and all technical partners for their dedication to implementing the ACReSAL and AGILE projects.
“Let me reassure the good people of Zamfara that we will continue to deliver policies and programmes that bring real change, particularly at the grassroots,” he added.
“To the beneficiaries: what you receive today is a seed. Nurture it, grow it, and let it blossom into a tree of change for your families and your communities.”
