In a symbolic gesture to promote girl-child empowerment, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday handed over his seat to teenager Joy Ogah, allowing her to serve as Nigeria’s Vice President for a day.
The event, which took place during a courtesy visit by PLAN International to the Office of the Vice President, highlighted the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusivity under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the President’s dedication to improving access to education for girls across the country, citing the school feeding programme as a key intervention for child development.
“Studies have shown that well-nourished children are well-formed. We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and see where government strength can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education,” he said.
Shettima described First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a symbol of how empowered girls can blossom into exceptional leaders, noting that her track record in the Senate remains a testament to her advocacy for education and gender equity.
“This government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity — we cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” he added.
After his remarks, the Vice President invited Joy Ogah to take over his seat, a symbolic move that resonated with the audience.
Speaking from the Vice President’s chair, Ogah thanked the government for the opportunity and used her platform to advocate for urgent action to address the challenges facing Nigerian girls.
She noted that 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, with over 60 percent being girls, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for equality and national development.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. 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, classrooms, and budgets,” she said.
Ogah also urged the government to enforce laws protecting girls’ rights, provide free sanitary products in schools, and ensure access to water, sanitation, and nutrition, stressing that “when girls are protected, peace becomes possible.”
Representing PLAN International, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organization’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, commended the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusivity and recalled that in 2024, another symbolic “takeover” took place at the National Assembly, where a girl called for the removal of VAT on sanitary pads and diapers — a request that has since been implemented under the Tax Reforms Act.
She noted that PLAN International has supported over 11 million Nigerian children through programs focused on education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, and reaffirmed the organization’s resolve to continue working with government and partners to advance girls’ rights.