In a symbolic gesture that celebrated leadership, inclusion, and girl-child empowerment, a teenage girl, Joy Ogah, assumed the role of Vice President for a day at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
The event, coordinated by Plan International, formed part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child. It underscored the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to promote girl-child education and gender equality in national leadership.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hosted the delegation from Plan International led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to expanding access to education for girls across Nigeria.
He noted that interventions such as the national school feeding programme remain vital in improving enrolment and learning outcomes.
Shettima assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would continue to collaborate with development partners to ensure that more girls are empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as an example of how an educated and supported girl-child can rise to positions of influence and impact.
Sitting in the Vice President’s seat, Joy Ogah delivered an emotional address on behalf of Nigerian girls, urging leaders to act decisively to address the country’s education challenges.
She pointed out that 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school, with girls making up over 60 percent of that figure.
Ogah called for stronger policies to protect girls’ rights, provision of free sanitary products in schools, and access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition for children. She also stressed the importance of ensuring education that is safe, inclusive, and equitable for all.
She reminded the audience that her one-day role as Vice President symbolized a much broader struggle for gender equity and opportunity.
According to her, the empowerment of girls must continue to reflect in government policies, classrooms, and budgetary priorities.
“When girls are protected and educated,” she said, “peace and progress become achievable for everyone.”
