Joy Ogah, a Nigerian schoolgirl, took over the vice-president’s office for a day to emphasise the significance of girls’ education.
According to a statement issued by the vice-president’s office on Tuesday, Ogah was invited by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a meeting with a Plan International team at the State House.
Speaking from the vice-president’s seat, the youngster expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent millions of Nigerian girls.
She stated that 10.5 million children in Nigeria are not attending school, with girls accounting for more than 60% of the total.
She stated that Nigerian girls may become leaders if appropriate interventions are done, and she urged the government, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to take strategic steps to advance girl-child education.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
Ogah asked relevant authorities to uphold laws that safeguard the rights of all girls, emphasising the importance of providing free sanitary products in schools and ensuring Nigerian children’s access to water, sanitation, and nutrition.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. 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,” she said.
Earlier in his remarks, Shettima emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to promote girl education and empowering young women throughout Nigeria.
He stated that, among other government interventions, the school feeding program is still necessary, and that studies have proven that well-nourished children are better-formed.
“We will continue the engagement with Plan International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education,” he said.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in.
“I want to assure you, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation.”
