Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to promoting girl-child education across Nigeria, emphasizing that empowering young girls remains central to the administration’s human development agenda.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from PLAN International, led by the organization’s Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the Vice President said President Tinubu’s government is determined to create an inclusive education system where every Nigerian child — regardless of gender — can thrive.
Among other interventions, Shettima highlighted the continuation of the school feeding programme, describing it as essential to ensuring that children are well-nourished and better prepared to learn.
“Studies have shown that well-nourished children are well-formed,” he noted. “We will continue to engage with PLAN International and explore how government can complement your efforts in promoting girl-child education.”
The Vice President assured the delegation that President Tinubu remains a reliable ally of advocates for gender equality, stressing that “in President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in. His administration is passionate about advancing the cause of the girl-child.”
He also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “a shining example of how an empowered girl-child can blossom into a great leader,” recalling her active contributions to legislative debates on education and women’s rights during her time in the Senate.
“I want to assure you, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that this government is gender-friendly. We believe in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” Shettima stated.
Teenage Advocate Takes Over as One-Day Vice President
In a symbolic gesture of empowerment, Vice President Shettima invited teenage advocate Joy Ogah to assume the seat of the Vice President for one day. Taking up the opportunity, Ogah delivered a passionate speech calling for renewed national action to safeguard and educate every Nigerian girl.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Ogah lamented that over 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school, with more than 60 percent being girls.
“Nigerian girls can become leaders if the right interventions are put in place,” she said. “We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria.”
Ogah urged the government and development partners to enforce laws protecting girls’ rights, provide free sanitary products in schools, and improve access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she added. “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, classrooms, conversations, and budgets.”
PLAN International Commends Nigeria’s Commitment
Earlier, Helen Idiong commended the Federal Government’s collaboration with PLAN International in advancing children’s welfare and education. She noted that the organization has supported over 11 million Nigerian children through initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
She recalled PLAN’s 2024 advocacy campaign, during which a girl took over the Speaker’s seat in the House of Representatives to call for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads and diapers — a demand that was later addressed in the Tax Reforms Act.
Idiong appealed to the government to sustain its focus on affordable and accessible education for all children, particularly girls in underserved communities.
