In a move that caught many by surprise, Vice President Kashim Shettima temporarily handed over his official position — inviting 16-year-old...
In a move that caught many by surprise, Vice President Kashim Shettima temporarily handed over his official position — inviting 16-year-old Joy Ogah to sit in the vice-presidential seat for a day. The gesture, made during a meeting with development partners, was a bold nod to the importance of the girl-child, echoing past symbolic acts like when the UK’s Prime Minister invited a youth council to Cabinet for a day.
On Monday, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima paused his official duties and opened his office to a teenager — Joy Ogah — as part of a special focus on girl-child education. The event took place during a visit from the delegation of PLAN International, whose Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, led the group
Shettima used the moment to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to providing educational access for girls. He pointed to existing initiatives — including the school feeding programme — as evidence that the government understands the link between nourishment and learning. “Well-nourished children are well-formed,” he remarked.But the symbolic highlight came when Joy Ogah was invited to the vice-presidential seat. Standing in that office, she addressed corrective measures: Nigeria has about 10.5 million out-of-school children, and girls make up over 60 % of that number. She demanded safe and inclusive classrooms, sanitary products in schools, and stronger laws protecting girls’ rights
Shettima described First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as a symbol of what happens when a girl-child is supported and given chance — a favourite refrain from his office. He assured stakeholders that inclusivity isn’t just a slogan for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, but a commitment.
In Nigeria, symbolic acts like this carry weight. For example, during the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child, several states allowed young women to shadow commissioners or governors for a day — reinforcing that leadership begins young. Shettima’s move takes that a step further.
While critics may say this is just photo-op, supporters argue it brings youth voices into power spaces and reminds the public that girl-child issues still lag behind. With Joy’s short tenure as “Vice President for a Day,” the intent is clear: visibility, empowerment and policy follow-through.
Conclusion
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s decision to vacate his seat — even symbolically — to spotlight girl-child education sends a clear message: Nigeria must do more than talk. Whether this translates into sustained action or becomes another feel-good headline remains to be seen. The hope is that Joy Ogah’s voice will echo into real classrooms, not just offices.