In a heartwarming and empowering move, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday handed over the reins of his office to 14-year-old Joy Ogah, a teenage advocate for girl-child education – but just for a day! This symbolic gesture underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to promoting education and empowerment for all, particularly the girl child.
As the one-day Vice President, Ogah addressed the nation, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education, protection of girls’ rights, and provision of essential amenities like sanitation and nutrition in schools. Her powerful words resonated with the audience: “When girls are protected, peace becomes possible.”
Ogah stated: “I may be the 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.”
Before passing on the torch, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to girl-child education, highlighting the administration’s efforts, including the school feeding program. He also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a symbol of female empowerment. He recalled that when the First Lady served in the Nigerian Senate, she contributed actively to debates, especially those relating to girl-child education.
This inspiring moment was part of a meeting between the Vice President and a PLAN International delegation, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, to discuss advancing girl-child education in Nigeria. The organization has provided interventions for over 11 million Nigerian children in areas like education and entrepreneurship.
Ogah’s one-day tenure as Vice President comes with a message that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the nation’s leaders and citizens, emphasizing the need for continued support and investment in girl-child education.
