See Why Teenager, Joy Ogah Took Over Vice President Seat

See Why Teenager, Joy Ogah Took Over Vice President Seat

A teenager, Joy Ogah, on Monday symbolically assumed the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the opportunity to advocate strongly for girls’ rights and education across Nigeria.

According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting between Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

Seated in the Vice President’s chair, Ogah drew attention to the challenges confronting girls in Nigeria, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 per cent of that number.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.

She called on policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise measures that protect and empower young girls, urging the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for every child.

Ogah emphasised that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and a voice — not silence.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. 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,” she said.

Vice President Shettima, in turn, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to promoting girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said