In a rare and inspiring event, 16-year-old Joy Ogak, a secondary school student from Benue State, made history after emerging as Nigeria’s Vice President for one day, following her victory in the 2025 “Girls Take Over” Leadership Initiative organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Plan International Nigeria.
The symbolic leadership handover, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child an annual global event that promotes the empowerment of girls and highlights their right to education, leadership, and equal opportunity.
During her brief tenure, Joy Ogak officially took over from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who handed her the instruments of office in a short but colorful ceremony attended by top government officials, diplomats, and youth advocates.
Speaking after taking the symbolic oath of office, Joy said, “This moment is not just about me; it is about every Nigerian girl who dreams of being heard and seen. I want to use this platform to remind our leaders that girls deserve equal opportunities to lead, learn, and thrive.”
She called for more policies that promote girls’ education and protect them from gender-based violence and early marriage, adding that “when you educate and empower a girl, you empower a whole community.”
Vice President Shettima praised the young student’s courage and intellect, describing her as “a shining example of what the Nigerian youth can achieve if given the right platform.”
He said, “The future of our nation depends on how we raise, empower, and include young girls in leadership conversations. Joy Ogak represents a new generation of leaders who are bold, brilliant, and ready to shape Nigeria’s destiny.”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, also commended the initiative, saying it was designed to “give young girls a sense of belonging in national development and inspire them to dream beyond social limitations.”
The “Girls Take Over” program is an annual campaign championed by Plan International, which allows selected girls across different countries to temporarily occupy high-profile government and corporate positions. The goal is to spotlight the potential of girls as leaders and agents of change.
According to Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director, Charles Usie, this year’s edition received entries from over 15,000 students across all six geopolitical zones, with Joy Ogak’s essay and leadership presentation emerging as the best.
“This initiative is a statement that the time has come to dismantle barriers that hold girls back,” Usie said. “We want to see more Joys confident, visionary, and empowered taking their rightful place in society.”
Joy’s one-day vice presidency quickly went viral on social media, drawing praise from Nigerians across all walks of life. Many hailed the initiative as a positive example of youth empowerment and inclusion.
A social media user wrote, “Joy Ogak has made us proud. She symbolizes hope for the Nigerian girl child.”
Another comment read, “Imagine what our country would look like if more young girls were given such opportunities.”
Joy Ogak, a science student and the head girl of her school in Makurdi, said she hopes to pursue a career in political science and public administration to “serve humanity and promote justice.”
As the ceremony ended, she returned to her school carrying more than just memories she carried the weight of expectation, the hope of millions of girls, and a powerful reminder that leadership knows no gender or age.
Her brief moment in power may have lasted only one day, but its message will echo for years to come: empower the girl, and you empower the nation.
