Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to promoting girl-child education across Nigeria, emphasizing that empowering girls is key to the nation’s growth and development.
This was contained in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Shettima gave the assurance when he received a delegation from PLAN International led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
During the visit, the Vice President invited a teenager, Joy Ogah, to symbolically take over his seat for a day as “Vice President,” where she made a passionate case for girl-child education and empowerment.
Shettima said the Federal Government would continue to partner with development organizations to advance education for Nigerian girls, describing the school feeding programme as a vital intervention that enhances learning and child development.
“We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and see where the strength of government can complement your efforts in advancing girl-child education,” he said.
The Vice President noted that President Tinubu’s administration is “gender-friendly and inclusive,” stressing that no nation can progress by marginalizing half of its population.
He also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as a model of how a well-supported girl-child can evolve into an influential national leader.
Taking the floor as “Vice President for a Day,” Joy Ogah expressed gratitude for the opportunity and drew attention to the plight of girls across the country.
“Across Nigeria, 10.5 million children are out of school, and over 60 percent of them are girls,” she said.
Ogah called for stronger policies, improved access to education, and better sanitation and nutrition facilities in schools, urging authorities to enforce laws protecting the rights of girls.
“I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day,” she declared. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.”
Earlier, PLAN International’s Idiong said the organization has provided interventions for over 11 million Nigerian children, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
She also recalled that following PLAN’s advocacy in 2024, the Federal Government removed VAT on sanitary pads and diapers, a move she said had a direct impact on girls’ well-being.
The Vice President concluded by assuring PLAN International of continued collaboration, saying the government remains open to further engagement to advance the cause of Nigerian girls.
