Vice President Kashim Shettima has made a powerful statement in support of girl-child education by allowing a Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, to symbolically occupy his office for a day.
The inspiring moment took place at the State House, Abuja, during a meeting between the vice president and a delegation from Plan International, a global development organization focused on children’s rights and gender equality.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the vice president’s office, the gesture was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of investing in girls’ education and empowering young women to pursue leadership roles in society.
Teenager Speaks for Millions of Nigerian Girls
Speaking confidently from the vice president’s seat, Joy Ogah expressed her gratitude for the rare opportunity to represent millions of girls across Nigeria who aspire to be heard and included in the nation’s development process.
She drew attention to the alarming statistics on education inequality, noting that 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, with over 60 percent of them being girls.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging government institutions, policymakers, and international partners to prioritize the education and protection of the girl-child.
Ogah emphasized that with the right support and interventions, Nigerian girls can become leaders and changemakers in their communities, capable of transforming the country’s future.
A Call for Inclusive Action
The teenager’s remarks underscored the urgency of addressing persistent barriers such as poverty, early marriage, gender discrimination, and insecurity, which continue to limit girls’ access to quality education, especially in rural and conflict-affected regions.
Her symbolic leadership moment, backed by Plan International, aligns with global efforts to amplify the voices of girls and promote gender equality in leadership and education.
Vice President Shettima’s gesture has since drawn praise from advocates of girl-child education, who say it demonstrates the administration’s willingness to support female empowerment and inclusive policy dialogue.
Background
Plan International has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality through initiatives like “Girls Takeover,” a global campaign that allows young women to step into leadership positions for a day to challenge stereotypes and inspire change.
The event at the State House marks Nigeria’s latest participation in the campaign and highlights ongoing national efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
