ABUJA — A teenager, Joy Ogah, stepped into the shoes of Vice President Kashim Shettima for one day, using the symbolic moment to speak out strongly for the rights, dignity, and education of girls across Nigeria.
According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting on Monday between Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, Ogah used her brief but powerful moment to spotlight the struggles faced by millions of girls who lack access to education. She noted that more than 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school — and over 60 percent of them are girls.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, and dignity — not silence.”
Ogah called on the government to ensure that schools provide free sanitary products, clean water, and proper nutrition to support girls’ learning and wellbeing. She also emphasized the need for policies that protect young girls from violence and early marriage.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” 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.”
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In his remarks, Vice President Shettima commended Ogah’s courage and intelligence, describing her advocacy as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to secure the future of Nigerian children.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and promoting inclusive learning opportunities across the country.
“We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and identify areas where the government can build on your solid recommendations for improving girl-child education,” Shettima said.
