Breaking: Shettima Steps Aside From Vice Presidential Duties — Here’s Why

Vice President Kashim Shettima temporarily stepped aside from his seat to allow a teenage girl, Joy Ogah, to serve as Vice President for one day — an inspiring move to promote mentorship and gender inclusion.

The symbolic event took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation, Helen Idiong.

Addressing the delegation, Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing girl-child education and gender equality across Nigeria.

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” he said, highlighting government initiatives such as the school feeding programme as key efforts to keep children—especially girls—in school.

The Vice President also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a “shining example” of what a well-supported girl-child can become.

“She is proof that when girls are empowered, they can blossom into great leaders,” he noted. “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I assure you this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity and cannot sideline half of our population and expect progress.”

Following his remarks, Shettima invited Joy Ogah to sit in his chair, symbolically assuming the role of Vice President for a day.

Speaking from the seat of power, Ogah delivered a powerful message calling for stronger action to advance the rights and education of Nigerian girls.

“We must invest in safe and inclusive education for every child in Nigeria. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she declared.

Ogah cited alarming statistics showing that 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, with over 60 percent being girls, urging the government, development partners, and citizens to unite in tackling barriers to education.