- She described the competition as an enduring educational initiative that promotes academic excellence
- During her address, she commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for what she termed significant progress
- Sanwo-Olu said Esther’s achievement reflects the positive outcomes of the state’s investment in public education
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday stepped aside symbolically as a 14-year-old student, Esther Etiyemonu, took over as governor for a day.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Esther, an SS II student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbookuta in Imota, Ikorodu Division, earned the honour after emerging overall winner of the 2025/2026 Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition for public secondary schools.
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She was welcomed at the State House in Marina by Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by her two-member cabinet: Dorcas Awoyemi of Ikosi Senior High School, who served as One-Day Deputy Governor, and Salami Jumain Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Yaba, who assumed the role of One-Day Secretary to the State Government. Their parents and teachers were also present.
As part of the programme, Esther presided over a brief State Executive Council session, highlighting the objective of the Spelling Bee initiative introduced by the wife of a former Lagos governor and current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
She described the competition as an enduring educational initiative that promotes academic excellence and leadership among students in public schools.
During her address, she commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for what she termed significant progress across various sectors in the state.
She noted improvements in education, including teacher recruitment, establishment of technical colleges, digital skills training, renovation of school libraries, infrastructure upgrades in tertiary institutions, and staff housing development.
She also acknowledged developments in transportation, referencing road rehabilitation projects in parts of Ikorodu and the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red and Blue Lines, which she said have improved movement within the state. Additionally, she praised efforts aimed at strengthening security.
In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Esther’s achievement reflects the positive outcomes of the state’s continued investment in public education.
He noted that Lagos State Senior Model College has benefited from several government interventions, adding that its success demonstrates the rising academic standards in public schools.
“You represent the excellence we are building in our public education system,” he said, pointing to improved performance in national examinations such as WASSCE and NECO as evidence of progress.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing public schools through better healthcare access, improved infrastructure, safe learning environments, and modern teaching resources.
He also pledged continued support for the Spelling Bee Competition, describing it as a lasting educational legacy for Lagos State.
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