In a rare and inspiring moment, teenager Joy Ogah took charge as Nigeria’s Vice President for one day, stepping into the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The symbolic event, held on Monday, was part of a mentorship initiative led by PLAN International, aimed at promoting girl-child education and gender equality in Nigeria.
The programme saw Shettima temporarily vacate his seat, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering young girls.
Speaking during the event, Vice President Shettima described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an “ally in the fight for inclusive education.”
He highlighted several government initiatives, including the school feeding programme, as vital interventions to keep more children, especially girls, in school.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in,” Shettima assured the delegation, adding that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu remains a shining example of how education can transform the life of a girl-child into a leadership journey.
Shettima emphasized inclusivity, saying: “We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation.”
When invited to take over, Joy Ogah, sitting in the Vice President’s chair, addressed the nation with a powerful message.
She called on the government, policymakers, and citizens to prioritize safe, inclusive, and accessible education for every Nigerian child.
She stressed the importance of free sanitary products, clean water, and proper nutrition for schoolchildren, adding that these basic needs directly impact school attendance and learning outcomes.
Quoting UNICEF statistics, Ogah raised concern that 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, with over 60% being girls.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible.”
Ogah’s brief but powerful speech echoed the struggles of millions of girls across Nigeria.
“I may be the Vice President for a day,” she declared, “but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, classrooms, and budgets.”
The symbolic act, praised by gender advocates nationwide, is seen as a step toward amplifying the voices of young Nigerian girls and emphasizing their role in shaping the country’s future.