Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to promoting girl-child education and ensuring inclusive learning for children across Nigeria.
In a statement released by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, Shettima stressed the importance of ongoing government initiatives — including the school feeding programme — in reducing the number of out-of-school children and encouraging school attendance nationwide.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Shettima symbolically invited a teenage girl, Joy Ogah, to take over his seat as “one-day Vice President” to advocate for the girl-child.
“We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and explore how the government can build on your solid work to strengthen girl-child education,” Shettima said.
He further assured the delegation that President Tinubu remains a strong ally of initiatives focused on girls’ empowerment and education.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust. This administration is passionate and deeply committed to advancing girl-child education,” he stated.
The Vice President also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as “a symbol of how a properly empowered and supported girl-child can blossom into a great leader.”
“We believe in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation,” Shettima added.
Earlier, PLAN International’s Helen Idiong noted that the organisation has supported over 11 million Nigerian children through education, entrepreneurship, and youth development programmes. She also recalled the group’s advocacy that led to the removal of VAT on sanitary pads and diapers in the Tax Reforms Act.
Shettima assured that the Federal Government would continue collaborating with PLAN International and other development partners to sustain policies that promote girls’ rights and access to quality education nationwide.