In a powerful moment symbolizing mentorship and empowerment, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday vacated his seat for a teenage girl, Joy Ogah, to serve as Vice President for a day at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The rare gesture took place during a courtesy visit by PLAN International, a global organization promoting girls’ rights, and has been hailed as a milestone in the federal government’s efforts to advance girl-child education and gender equality in Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to policies that empower young girls and promote inclusivity.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” he said, assuring the delegation that the government remains focused on education and empowerment for all.
The Vice President also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as “a symbol of how a properly empowered and supported girl-child can blossom into a great leader.”
“We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” Shettima added.
After his remarks, Shettima invited Joy Ogah to take his seat — a symbolic act that drew warm applause from attendees. From the Vice President’s chair, Joy delivered a passionate address calling for greater investment in girls’ education, access to free sanitary products, and improved school facilities across the country.
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“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she said.
Joy expressed concern over the 10.5 million Nigerian children currently out of school — more than 60 percent of them girls — and urged the government and development partners to act decisively.
“I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day,” she concluded. “They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
The event, led by PLAN International’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong, spotlighted the role of leadership exposure in inspiring young girls to dream big and challenge societal barriers.