Shettima yields seat to teenager in symbolic act for girl-child education

Joy Ogah, a Nigerian teenager, took over the office of the vice-president for a day to highlight the importance of girl-child education.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the vice-president’s office, Ogah was invited by Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, during a meeting with a delegation from Plan International at the State House.

Speaking from the vice-president’s seat, the teenager 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.

She said Nigerian girls can become leaders if necessary interventions are implemented and 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. 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 said.

Earlier in his remarks, Shettima reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to promoting girl-child education and empowering young women across Nigeria.

He said among other government interventions, the school feeding programme remains essential, adding 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,” he said.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in.

“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.”