Joy Ogah, a Nigerian teenager, took over the office of the vice-president for a day to highlight the importance of girl-child education.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the vice-president’s office, Ogah was invited by Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, during a meeting with a delegation from Plan International at the State House.
Speaking from the vice-president’s seat, the teenager expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent millions of Nigerian girls.
She noted that across Nigeria, 10.5 million children are out of school, with over 60 percent of them being girls.
She said Nigerian girls can become leaders if necessary interventions are implemented and called on the government, policymakers, development partners, and citizens to act strategically in advancing girl-child education.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
Ogah urged relevant authorities to enforce laws that protect the rights of every girl-child and highlighted the need to provide free sanitary products in schools, as well as ensure access to water, sanitation, and nutrition for the Nigerian child.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.
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