SHETTIMA HONOURS TEENAGE GIRL WITH SYMBOLIC 'VICE PRESIDENT FOR A DAY' ROLE

Read Time:2 Minute, 41 Second

It was a significant occasion of representation and motivation at the Presidential Villa on Monday when adolescent Joy Ogah assumed the role of the Vice President for a day—an act that highlighted the Tinubu administration’s dedication to empowering the girl-child and fostering gender inclusivity in governance.

This symbolic transition, orchestrated by PLAN International, formed part of the initiatives commemorating this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child.

Vice President Kashim Shettima assured stakeholders and developmental partners of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to enhance girl-child education throughout Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications within the Office of the Vice President, Shettima mentioned that among other governmental initiatives aimed at girl-child education, the school feeding program remains vital.

During a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, on Monday, Senator Shettima invited teenager Joy Ogah to assume the Vice President’s position for a day and deliver a message to the nation.

He remarked that research indicates that well-nourished children tend to thrive.

“We will maintain our partnership with PLAN International and explore how the capacity and authority of government can reinforce your sound recommendations regarding girl-child education,” the Vice President conveyed to the PLAN representatives.

He further expressed to the delegation, “In President Bola Tinubu, you have a trustworthy ally, one in whom you can place your confidence,” affirming that the administration is fervent and profoundly devoted to enhancing girl-child education.

The Vice President also referred to First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as an embodiment of how a suitably empowered and nurtured girl can evolve into an exceptional leader.

He reminisced that during her tenure in the Senate, the First Lady actively participated in discussions, particularly those related to girl-child education.

Speaking from the Vice President’s position, Ogah expressed her appreciation for the chance to voice the concerns of millions of Nigerian girls.

She observed that in Nigeria, 10.5 million children are outside the educational system, with more than 60 percent being girls.

Ogah stressed that Nigerian girls can ascend to leadership roles given the implementation of necessary measures by relevant authorities and stakeholders.

READ ALSO:

STUDENT LOANS: NELFUND OPENS APPLICATION PORTAL FOR 2025/2026 SESSION

She urged the government, policymakers, developmental partners, and citizens to take purposeful action to promote girl-child education.

“We must invest in an education system that is secure and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she asserted.

Ogah called upon the relevant authorities to uphold laws that safeguard the rights of every girl, stressing the necessity of providing complimentary sanitary products in schools and ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition for Nigerian children.

“When girls are safeguarded, peace becomes attainable,” she remarked.

She continued, “While I may serve as Vice President for one day, the challenges I symbolize cannot conclude in a day. They must endure in our policies, our classrooms, our dialogues, and our financial allocations. ”

She concluded by stating that every girl is entitled to an education, a choice, dignity, and a voice, rather than silence.