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17-Year-Old Joy Ogah Makes History as Nigeria’s Vice President for a Day — Advocates for Girl-Child Education

In a powerful symbol of youth leadership and gender equality, 17-year-old Joy Ogah made history by stepping into the role of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for a day.

The remarkable event, which took place on Monday in Abuja, was part of an initiative by PLAN International, designed to promote the voices of young girls and highlight their potential as future leaders. Ogah’s short but impactful time in office placed national attention on the urgent need for inclusive education and equal opportunities for girls across the country. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

A Voice for the 10.5 Million Out-of-School Children

In her address during the symbolic takeover, Ogah passionately drew attention to the alarming statistics surrounding Nigeria’s education system. She revealed that more than 10.5 million children remain out of school nationwide — and over 60 percent of them are girls.

According to Ogah, this crisis is not just a statistic but a call to action for leaders, educators, and communities to rethink their priorities.

“Every girl deserves access to classrooms, dignity, and opportunity,” she said. “When girls are protected and empowered, peace becomes possible.”

Her words resonated deeply across the nation, sparking conversations about how cultural norms, poverty, and insecurity continue to hinder millions of young girls from completing their education.

Shettima Commends the Initiative

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, warmly welcomed Joy Ogah’s advocacy and commended her courage and vision. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving education through gender-inclusive programs and promised continued collaboration with NGOs like PLAN International.

“Your voice represents hope for millions of girls,” Shettima noted. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian child, especially girls, can learn in a safe and supportive environment.”

He added that the administration’s ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda includes targeted policies aimed at expanding access to education, empowering women, and supporting youth-led projects.
Health, Hygiene, and Nutrition in Schools

Beyond the classroom, Joy Ogah also highlighted critical issues often overlooked in education policy — health, hygiene, and nutrition.

She called for free sanitary products, clean water, proper sanitation, and balanced nutrition in schools, explaining that these essentials are key to keeping girls in class and promoting gender equality.

“A girl should not have to miss school because of her period or because there’s no clean water,” Ogah emphasized. “Basic amenities should be a right, not a privilege.”

The Office of the Vice President acknowledged her recommendations and promised to work closely with relevant ministries to implement practical, sustainable solutions that ensure better school environments for children, especially girls in rural communities.
Youth Leadership and Ongoing National Programs

Ogah’s symbolic role aligns with ongoing federal and NGO-driven initiatives aimed at uplifting women and young people.

Programs under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions are currently reaching more than 10 million women across Nigeria, providing access to livelihood grants, digital skills training, clean energy, and entrepreneurial empowerment.

In addition, the Federal Ministry of Education and National Assembly Committees on Education continue to push gender-inclusive reforms, mentorship opportunities, and awareness campaigns to eliminate discrimination in learning spaces.

A Generation Ready to Lead

Joy Ogah’s brief time as Vice President serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are already influencing policies and conversations today.

Her leadership moment reflects a growing movement across Africa where young people, particularly girls, are demanding seats at the table and challenging the systems that limit their progress.

As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges of inequality, poverty, and education gaps, voices like Joy Ogah’s illuminate a hopeful path forward — one where every child, regardless of gender, can learn, lead, and thrive.

https://eyesoflagos.com/joy-ogah-nigeria-vice-president-for-a-day-girl-child-education/

There’s time for everything, look at me first to comment… believe in yourself one day your turn go come… 😂 😂 😂

Whereas one man from Anambra has been vying for the post since 2019... Congratulations to you, Joy!

We need her account statements pls.


We want the check something

Not 15years again?? How much is VP salary for a day?

If na me i go first sharply divert 100 million to my account... I wise die

Joy please help us fight Boko Haram, send our soldiers to end them, 24 hrs is enough to do something significant in the war against terrorism.

Apparently the guys in Aso Rock for 364 days don't seem interested in ending terrorism, maybe the one day president might do something, who knows

Leave all this thing abeg

PlayerMeji:
Whereas one man from Anambra has been vying for the post since 2019... Congratulations to you, Joy!

Is it Your father you're talking about?

Congratulations to joy ogah. A very commendable gesture from the VP himself. Not like that girl who after going for an English contest came back and was rewarded 200k

What contracts did she award? Just an academic exercise. Give her Executive power and the first thing she does is free Nnamdi Kanu like the daughter of Herodias request that stood against the King's wish.

This is highly commendable and Insha Allah she will attain the position in the future.

Igbo people will soon come and complain

Nice one girl. God bless your one day VP-ship.

I knew one isiewu will come charging...

zinaunreal:
Is it Your father you're talking about?

PatientofYabale:
If na me i go first sharply divert 100 million to my account...

Poor man, it's ceremonial position. Zero shishi

madridguy:
This is highly commendable and Insha Allah she will attain the position in the future.

u people that don't allow women lead u
abi no be una wey i sabi?

madridguy:
This is highly commendable and Insha Allah she will attain the position in the future.

Not in Nigeria but Palestine Gaza

Pure academic exercise. Was she able to implement any policy or make any decision? Just to sit on VP seat, eat rice and chicken and give address

Very soon dey will Corrup her like memory card with Virus

This girl towtow go don surfer for tha aboki hand. Where her parents in all of this ?

MadamExcellency:
What contracts did she award? Just an academic exercise. Give her Executive power and the first thing she does is free Nnamdi Kanu like the daughter of Herodias request that stood against the King's wish.

Free which Kanu?
The same one who called Igbo women prostitutes?

Biafrans be shouting free Kanu but time for protest, you will lock door and run under the bed.

Women don't lead in the mosque only.

DMCA:
u people that don't allow women lead u
abi no be una wey i sabi?

Orlu13:
Very selfish and stupid gender...from old to young...very selfish

Everytime girl child, girl child

Everything must always be Abt them

They don't waste a minute to show how selfish they are....I rather have a dog in d seat of power than a woman

There is a reason they are not allowed to vote bfr..

But na woman born you I guess?

Congrats... Lolzzzzzz.... Life na turn by turn.

CTee1:
There’s time for everything, look at me first to comment… believe in yourself one day your turn go come… 😂 😂 😂

Congratulations girl. It will forever be in a record that you serve this country as the VP in a day. 😁

Upon the advocacy for girl child education, one religion is strongly against it. Till they tell themselves the truth, all this acting and round tripping won't yield anything especially in the North

Orlu13:
Very selfish and stupid gender...from old to young...very selfish

Everytime girl child, girl child

Everything must always be Abt them

They don't waste a minute to show how selfish they are....I rather have a dog in d seat of power than a woman

There is a reason they are not allowed to vote bfr..

The whole thing is getting out of hand, what happens to the male child or are they trying to portray that girl child is better.

PatientofYabale:
If na me i go first sharply divert 100 million to my account... I wise die

That's shows that Nigeria can never be better with people like you in our political space have a rethink
You should have used the word steal instead of divert