Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to promoting girl-child education in Nigeria, describing it as a key priority of the administration.
Shettima stated this on Monday while receiving a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Highlighting the role of school feeding in supporting education, the Vice President noted that “well-nourished children are well-formed,” and pledged continuous collaboration with PLAN International to strengthen interventions for the girl-child.
Read Also: Tinubu Felicitates Bassey Otu at 66
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in. This government is passionate and deeply committed to advancing girl-child education,” Shettima said.
He also described First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as an example of how a properly empowered girl-child can grow into a great leader, emphasizing that inclusivity remains central to the administration’s agenda.
During the meeting, the Vice President invited teenage advocate Joy Ogah to take over his seat as Vice President for a day. Speaking from the seat, Ogah made a passionate case for girl-child education and called for stronger government action.
She revealed that 10.5 million children are currently out of school in Nigeria, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent, and urged authorities to invest in safe, inclusive education and enforce laws protecting girls’ rights.
“I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day,” she said. “They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
PLAN International’s Idiong commended the government for its support, noting that the organization has reached over 11 million Nigerian children through programmes in education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
She also recalled the success of a previous “Girls Takeover” initiative at the National Assembly, which influenced the removal of VAT on sanitary pads and diapers through the Tax Reforms Act.
