Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday stepped aside to let teenager Joy Ogah sit in his chair and act as Nigeria’s Vice President for one day.
The symbolic handover happened at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a visit by a delegation from PLAN International led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong.
The event was part of activities promoting the rights and education of the girl-child.
During the meeting, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to girl-child education and gender inclusion.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said, assuring the group of government support.
He also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as an example of how education and empowerment can transform girls into strong leaders.
“I want to assure you, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” he said.
After his remarks, Shettima invited Joy Ogah to take over his seat and deliver her message to the nation.
Speaking confidently from the Vice President’s desk, Joy called on government officials, policymakers, and citizens to work together to protect and support Nigerian girls. She urged for more investment in education, access to clean water, nutrition, and free sanitary products in schools.
She expressed concern that 10.5 million children remain out of school in Nigeria, with over 60 percent of them being girls.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she said.
“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 added.
Shettima later commended Joy and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue working with PLAN International to advance girl-child education across the country.
“We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and explore how the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice regarding girl-child education,” he wrote on social media.
