In an inspiring moment that highlighted the power of youth advocacy and gender inclusion, teenager Joy Ogah on Monday made history by becoming Nigeria’s Vice President for a day.
The symbolic handover saw Vice President Kashim Shettima vacate his seat temporarily to allow the young advocate step into his role at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event, organised in collaboration with PLAN International, was part of the global “Girls Takeover” initiative – an annual campaign promoting girl-child leadership and equality.
The delegation was led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, and received by Vice President Shettima who described the initiative as a reaffirmation of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to gender balance.
Shettima, in his remarks, assured that the present government under President *mBola Ahmed Tinubu remains dedicated to creating opportunities for women and girls.
“We believe in inclusivity,” he said. “We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation. This administration will continue to support the education and empowerment of the girl child.”
Taking the symbolic oath as Vice President, Joy Ogah used the platform to urge Nigerian leaders to address the barriers hindering girls’ education. She noted that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent of that figure.
She called for greater investment in education that is “safe, inclusive, and accessible to every child.”
Ogah also appealed for policies that support girls’ hygiene and dignity, including the provision of sanitary products and improved school facilities.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she said. “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.”
Commending her passion and advocacy, Shettima praised the initiative as a powerful reminder of the potential within every young Nigerian girl.
He cited First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a model of empowered womanhood, noting that her leadership is proof of what is possible when girls are supported to reach their full potential.
