In a remarkable gesture promoting mentorship and gender inclusion, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday temporarily handed over his seat to a teenage girl, Joy Ogah, who acted as the Vice President of Nigeria for one day.
The symbolic event took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation, Helen Idiong.
According to Shettima, the gesture reflects the Tinubu administration’s firm commitment to advancing girl-child education and gender equality across the country.
Shettima reaffirms Tinubu’s support for girls’ education
Addressing the visitors, Vice President Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ensuring every Nigerian girl has access to quality education and equal opportunities.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said, noting that initiatives such as the school feeding programme are key to keeping children—especially girls—in school.
He also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a shining example of how a well-supported girl can grow into a leader who inspires others.
“The First Lady is a symbol of how an empowered girl-child can blossom into greatness,” he added.
Teenager calls for sustained action on girls’ rights
After his address, Shettima invited Joy Ogah to sit in his chair, symbolically assuming the office of the Vice President. From there, Ogah delivered a passionate message urging collective efforts to protect the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she said.
Ogah cited troubling statistics that show 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, with more than 60 percent being girls.
She called for free sanitary products, better water and sanitation facilities, and improved nutrition in schools to help keep girls enrolled and focused.
“I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day,” Ogah declared. “They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
