Tag: Joy Ogah

Teenager Joy Ogah symbolically stepped into the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the opportunity to advocate for girls’ education and rights across Nigeria. The handover took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, according to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday. From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah spoke on the challenges facing girls in the country, highlighting that over 10.5 million children are out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 per cent. “We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise initiatives that protect and empower young girls. Ogah also called on the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence,” she added. She stressed that protecting girls is key to fostering peace, saying, “I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, classrooms, conversations, and budgets.” Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning. “We will continue to work with PLAN International and use the strength of government to support your recommendations on girl-child education. In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he said. The symbolic event aligns with growing national momentum for gender-inclusive education. Advocacy groups recently urged all tiers of government to increase investment in girl-child education, mentorship programs, and sensitisation campaigns to eliminate gender bias in schools. In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774), aimed at supporting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas with livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives. Efforts by the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly, including workshops on inclusive education, the Student Loans Act, and increased education funding, demonstrate continued commitment to equity—an agenda Joy Ogah highlighted during her symbolic “Vice President for a Day” role.