A TEENAGE girl, Joy Ogah, on Monday made history when she symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, using the rare platform to passionately advocate for education, empowerment, and dignity for girls across Nigeria.
The symbolic takeover, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by PLAN International Nigeria, a global humanitarian organisation promoting girls’ rights and equality for children.
In a statement released by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday sent to News Point Nigeria, the event brought together Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
Taking her seat at the Vice President’s desk, Joy Ogah delivered a powerful message that resonated with everyone in the room. She highlighted the urgent need for inclusive education, noting that more than 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, with girls making up over 60 per cent of that figure.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” Ogah declared. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity and not silence.”
The teenager went on to demand greater government action in supporting girl-child education and well-being, calling for free sanitary products in schools, clean water, and proper nutrition for children.
“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.”
Vice President Shettima commended the young advocate for her courage and eloquence, reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to advancing education, inclusion, and social protection for women and children.
“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,” Shettima assured.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in.”
The event underscored the growing national and global momentum for gender equality and inclusive education, as Nigeria continues to prioritise policies and programmes aimed at empowering women and girls.
For Joy Ogah, her one-day symbolic role as Nigeria’s Vice President may have ended, but her voice and her message continues to echo across the corridors of power, reminding the nation that empowering girls is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
