On Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima vacated his seat to allow a young girl, Joy Ogah, a resident of Benue State and an Idoma ethnic group member, to serve as Vice President for a day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit from PLAN International.
Vice President Kashim Shettima characterized the visit as a demonstration of the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.
During the visit, which was led by Helen Idiong, the Director of Program, Quality, and Innovation at PLAN International, Vice President Shettima reiterated the federal government’s dedication to supporting initiatives that elevate young girls and guarantee access to quality education, as reported by Channels. He stated, “In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” assuring the delegation that government policies would consistently prioritize inclusivity and empowerment.
Shettima commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, referring to her as “a symbol of how a properly empowered and supported girl-child can blossom into a great leader.” He emphasized the importance of including all segments of the population in national development, stating, “We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation.”
Following his remarks, Vice President Shettima handed over his position to Joy Ogah, who utilized the opportunity to deliver an impactful address advocating for enhanced support for girls throughout Nigeria. Speaking from the Vice President’s chair, Joy called upon the government, development partners, and citizens to ensure equitable access to education, provide free sanitary products in schools, and improve facilities related to water and nutrition.
Joy expressed concern regarding the 10.5 million Nigerian children who remain out of school, noting that over 60 percent of this demographic are girls. She asserted, “We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible.” In conclusion, she remarked, “I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot be concluded within a single day. They must persist in our policies, our classrooms, our dialogues, and our budgets.”