In a rare display of mentorship and inclusion, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday temporarily vacated his seat to allow Joy Ogah, a teenage student, to “sit over the affairs” of the Vice President’s office for one day.
The symbolic handover, officials said, was aimed at reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s commitment to promoting girl-child education, gender equality, and leadership development among young Nigerians.
Miss Ogah, speaking from the Vice President’s chair, urged the government and key stakeholders to invest more in girls’ education and welfare.
“We must act strategically to advance girl-child education, protect the rights of every girl, and provide free sanitary products in schools,” she said. “Every child deserves access to water, sanitation, and nutrition.”
The one-day mentorship exercise, described by aides as a “reaffirmation of faith in the potential of the Nigerian girl-child,” has drawn praise across social and political circles.
Observers say the gesture highlights a growing recognition within Nigeria’s leadership of the need to amplify women’s voices and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
