By Abiola Olawale
Vice President Kashim Shettima temporarily vacated his office on Monday, symbolically handing over the reins to teenager Joy Ogah, who served as the ‘Vice President for a Day.’
The event, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl-Child, organized in collaboration with development partner PLAN International.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday.
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.
The New Diplomat reports that the 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.
