IN a symbolic act promoting mentorship and gender equality, Vice President Kashim Shettima ceded his seat to teenager Joy Ogah, allowing her to serve as Nigeria’s Vice President for one day.
The event, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was part of an engagement between Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by the organization’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong.
The initiative reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and women’s empowerment.
During the meeting, Vice President Shettima highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to supporting education for girls through various interventions, including the national school feeding programme.
He described First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a prime example of how empowering the girl-child can nurture strong female leaders, citing her active role in the Senate and her advocacy for women’s development.
“On behalf of President Tinubu, I want to assure you that this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity and cannot sideline half of our population and still expect national progress,” Shettima stated.
After his remarks, Shettima invited Joy Ogah to assume his seat and address the nation.
In her speech, Ogah urged the government, policymakers, and development partners to intensify efforts toward improving girl-child education and ensuring the protection of girls’ rights.
She called for free sanitary products in schools and improved access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition, stressing that these essentials are vital for the overall well-being of Nigerian children.
Ogah expressed deep concern that 10.5 million children across Nigeria remain out of school, with over 60 percent being girls, and emphasized that addressing this imbalance is crucial for national development.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every Nigerian child. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she declared.
Reflecting on the symbolic nature of her temporary role, she added:
“I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
The one-day leadership experience underscored the government’s ongoing partnership with organizations like PLAN International in championing equal opportunities for girls and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.