VP Shettima Vacates Seat for Joy Ogah as Teen Advocates for Girls’ Rights

In a symbolic act highlighting the power of youth advocacy, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday vacated his seat for 13-year-old Joy Ogah, who served as “Vice President for a Day” to champion the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.

The event took place during a meeting between the Vice President and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organization’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation. According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the gesture was part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child.

Taking her place in the Vice President’s chair, Joy Ogah spoke passionately about the challenges confronting girls in Nigeria. She cited statistics showing that over 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent of that number.

“Every girl deserves the chance to learn, to dream, and to lead,” Joy declared, urging policymakers to invest more in girls’ education and to create safe spaces where young women can thrive.

Vice President Shettima commended her advocacy and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to quality education, especially for girls in underserved communities.

“Your voice represents the future we are striving to build — one where no child is left behind,” Shettima said, addressing Joy.

The initiative, coordinated by PLAN International, seeks to amplify the voices of young girls by symbolically placing them in leadership positions for a day — a gesture that both highlights their potential and underscores the importance of inclusive governance.

As Joy Ogah stepped down from the Vice President’s chair, her message lingered — a call to action for a nation where every girl can sit, speak, and lead without barriers.