Joy Ogah, a Nigerian teenager, stepped into the role of Vice President for a Day, using the opportunity to champion the rights, education, and well-being of girls across the country.
The symbolic event took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the group’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, Joy delivered a powerful message highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian girls, especially in education.
She cited that over 10.5 million children are currently out of school in Nigeria, more than 60% of them are girls.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” Joy said, urging policymakers to take action.
She called for free sanitary products in schools, clean water and proper sanitation, nutrition programs for school children and stronger protection policies for girls.
“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, not silence,” she added.
“I may be 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.”
Vice President Shettima responded by reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education and supporting girl-child empowerment.
“We will continue our collaboration with PLAN International and ensure the government lends its strength to your advocacy,” Shettima said.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust and believe in.”
