Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to advancing girl-child education across Nigeria.
He spoke during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong.
Shettima emphasised that the administration views education, including initiatives like the school feeding programme, as vital government interventions for female children.
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Highlighting the importance of empowering the youth, Shettima invited Joy Ogah, a Nigerian teenager, to temporarily occupy his office as the One-Day Vice President.
This symbolic gesture provided Ogah with a platform to deliver an address to the nation on the crucial need for female education.
During the interaction with the PLAN International delegation, Shettima assured them of the government’s continued cooperation, stating that Tinubu is a dependable ally who is “passionate and deeply committed” to the cause.
He also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as an exemplary figure, showcasing how an empowered girl-child can flourish into a distinguished leader, citing her active participation in Senate debates concerning female education.
“We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” he stated, assuring that the government is gender-friendly and believes in inclusivity.
He also noted that nutritional support, such as the school feeding programme, is essential, as studies link it to better child development.
One day VP
Speaking from the Vice President’s official seat, Ogah expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, acknowledging that she represented millions of Nigerian girls.
She immediately drew attention to the education crisis, noting that 10.5 million children are out of school nationwide, with girls constituting over 60% of this population.
Ogah stressed that Nigerian girls are capable of becoming future leaders, provided that relevant stakeholders implement necessary and strategic interventions.
She urged the government, policymakers, development partners, and the public to invest in safe and inclusive education for every child.
Furthermore, Ogah called for the enforcement of laws protecting girls’ rights and underscored the importance of providing free sanitary products in schools, along with ensuring proper access to water, sanitation, and nutrition.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she asserted.
Acknowledging the transient nature of her role, Ogah insisted that the “struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
She stated that every girl deserves “a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.”
Ogah acknowledged the government’s prompt action, noting that this request had since been implemented into law via the Tax Reforms Act.
Earlier, Idiong noted that Nigeria, like other nations, faces crises affecting girls.
She detailed the organisation’s work, which has provided support to over 11 million Nigerian children through programs focused on education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
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Idiong recalled a 2024 advocacy visit to the House of Representatives, where a girl-child, acting as One-Day Speaker, called for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads and diapers.
PLAN International urged the administration to maintain its focus on ensuring that girls have accessible and affordable schooling.
