In a symbolic act of mentorship and support for the next generation, Vice President Kashim Shettima has vacated his seat to allow teenager Joy Ogah take charge of Nigeria’s second-highest office for one day.
The event, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was organized during a courtesy visit by a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong.
The gesture underscored the Tinubu administration’s commitment to girl-child education, inclusivity, and gender equality.
Addressing the delegation, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to empowering girls through education and opportunity, describing the administration as “firmly gender-friendly and inclusive.”
“We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” Shettima said. “In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust and believe in.”
He further praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as a shining example of how a well-educated and empowered girl-child can evolve into a transformative leader.
After his remarks, Shettima invited Joy Ogah to take over his seat — symbolically stepping into the role of Vice President for a day.
Taking the microphone from the VP’s chair, Miss Ogah delivered a moving address, calling on the government, policymakers, and citizens to take bold action in advancing girl-child education, ending gender-based barriers, and ensuring access to basic needs such as sanitary products, clean water, and proper nutrition in schools.
“Across Nigeria, 10.5 million children are out of school, and more than 60 percent are girls,” she said. “We must invest in education that is safe, inclusive, and equitable. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible.”
She emphasized that the fight for gender equity must go beyond symbolism:
“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 event was seen as a powerful demonstration of leadership by example, highlighting the government’s resolve to build a future where every Nigerian girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
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