It was a moment of symbolism and inspiration at the Presidential Villa on Monday when teenager Joy Ogah took over the seat of the Vice President for a day — a gesture that underscored the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering the girl-child and promoting gender inclusivity in leadership.
The symbolic takeover, facilitated by PLAN International, was part of activities marking this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child.
Vice President Kashim Shettima assured stakeholders and development partners of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promoting girl-child education across Nigeria.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said among other government interventions in girl-child education, the school feeding programme remains essential.
Speaking during a meeting with a PLAN International delegation led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong on Monday, Senator Shettima invited a teenager, Joy Ogah, to take over the seat of the Vice President for a day and address the nation.
He noted that studies have shown that well-nourished children are well-formed.
“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,” the Vice President told the PLAN delegation.
He further told the delegation: “In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” adding that the administration is passionate and deeply committed to advancing girl-child education.
The Vice President also described First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a symbol of how a properly empowered and supported girl-child can blossom into a great leader.
He recalled that when the First Lady served in the Senate, she contributed actively to debates, especially those relating to girl-child education.
Speaking from the Vice President’s seat, Ogah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent millions of Nigerian girls.
She noted that across Nigeria, 10.5 million children are out of school, with over 60 percent of them being girls.
Ogah emphasised that Nigerian girls can become leaders if the necessary interventions are implemented by relevant authorities and stakeholders.
She called on the government, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to act strategically in advancing girl-child education.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
Ogah urged relevant authorities to enforce laws that protect the rights of every girl-child and highlighted the need to provide free sanitary products in schools, as well as ensure access to water, sanitation, and nutrition for the Nigerian child.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she added.
She continued: “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.”
According to her, every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.
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