- Seventeen-year-old Joy Ogah served as Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day.
- This symbolic handover aims to amplify the voices of young people.
- The initiative is organized in partnership with PLAN International.
Seventeen-year-old Joy Ogah took over from Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday in a symbolic transition aimed at amplifying the voices of young people.
The initiative, organized in partnership with PLAN International, provides Ogah with a platform to advocate for girls’ education and rights across the country.
During her short tenure, she drew attention to the fact that more than 10.5 million children are currently out of school, with girls making up more than 60 percent of this number. She called on policymakers to ensure education is safe, inclusive and of high quality, stressing that every girl should have the opportunity to learn with dignity.
Vice President Shettima expressed support for her assertion and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to promoting girls’ education and inclusive learning. He also pledged to maintain cooperation with NGOs and support youth-driven initiatives.
Oga further emphasized the need for schools to provide free hygiene products, clean water, proper sanitation and adequate nutrition, emphasizing that addressing these necessities is crucial for girls’ uninterrupted participation in education.
“When girls are protected, peace is possible,” she noted, urging that these priorities be integrated into national education policies and school plans. The Office of the Vice President endorsed her proposal and pledged to coordinate with relevant ministries to implement practical solutions.
Her advocacy aligns with federal initiatives such as the Renewing Hope Social Impact Intervention, which supports more than 10 million women across the country through livelihood grants, digital skills training and access to clean energy.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly continue to promote gender-inclusive policies, including mentoring programs and campaigns to eliminate gender bias in schools.
Joy Ogah’s symbolic day highlights the key role young people play in shaping policies that directly impact their futures.
