For one memorable day at the Lagos House in Marina, 14-year-old Esther Etiyemonu swapped her school uniform for the responsibilities of leadership, stepping into office as Lagos State’s One-Day Governor.
A Senior Secondary School II student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbookuta, Imota in Ikorodu Division, Esther earned the rare privilege after emerging overall winner of the 2025/2026 Spelling Bee Competition for public secondary schools across the state. The competition, now in its 21st edition, is an educational initiative championed by Oluremi Tinubu.
At the Lagos House, Marina, she was formally received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before presiding over a brief State Executive Council meeting.
Joining her in the historic experience were two other outstanding students: 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. They were accompanied by proud parents and teachers.
During her address, Esther described the Spelling Bee initiative as a “worthy education legacy” that continues to nurture confidence, scholarship and leadership among students in Lagos public schools. She also commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for what she called visible progress in education, transportation and security.
“In education, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s achievements are highly commendable. We have seen improvements in the quality of education through reforms such as recruitment of teachers, establishment of technical colleges, digital skills training, upgrading of tertiary institutions, staff housing development and renovation of public secondary school libraries,” she said.
She further noted infrastructure upgrades, including developments along the Gberigbe axis and the impact of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red and Blue Lines, in improving mobility across the state.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Esther’s poise and performance, describing her as a shining example of the quality emerging from Lagos public schools.
“You are a testament to the quality of education we are providing in our public schools. You embody excellence and the calibre of students emerging from our public institutions,” the governor said.
For Esther Etiyemonu, the experience may have lasted just a day. However, the inspiration it sparked among her peers could endure much longer.
