In a symbolic act of empowerment, Nigerian teenager Joy Ogah took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the rare opportunity to amplify the voices of girls across the country and advocate for quality, inclusive education.
The symbolic takeover, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was organised by PLAN International under its global “Girls Takeover” initiative — a campaign aimed at promoting girls’ leadership, equality, and participation in governance. The event saw Vice President Shettima temporarily hand over his official duties to Joy, as part of efforts to inspire young girls to take up leadership roles.
From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah addressed policymakers and stakeholders, highlighting the urgent need to address gender disparities in education. She noted that over 10.5 million children in Nigeria remain out of school, with more than 60 percent being girls, many of whom face barriers such as poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to sanitary products.
“I may be Vice President for just a day, but the issues I represent must live every day — in our policies, classrooms, and budgets,” Ogah said. “Every girl deserves a chance to learn, to lead, and to live with dignity. When girls are protected and educated, our nation becomes stronger.”
She also called for the provision of free sanitary pads, access to clean water, and safe school environments to ensure that young girls do not drop out due to preventable challenges.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who commended Joy’s courage and advocacy, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and women’s inclusion.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have a leader who believes in the potential of every Nigerian child — boy or girl,” Shettima said. “We will continue to work with partners like PLAN International to close the gender gap in education.”
The event comes amid renewed efforts by the government and civil society to promote gender equity in education. Initiatives like the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) and the Student Loans Act are part of a broader push to empower women and youths through access to education, digital inclusion, and economic opportunities.
Joy Ogah’s one-day leadership may have been symbolic, but her message — that empowering girls is key to building a more just and prosperous Nigeria — continues to resonate beyond the walls of the Vice President’s office.