Student becomes Lagos one-day governor after winning spelling bee

Babajide Sanwo-Olu temporarily handed over the reins of Lagos State to Miss Etiyemonu Esther on Monday, as the spelling bee champion assumed office as the state’s One-Day Governor in a symbolic ceremony at Lagos House, Marina.

Esther, a student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbokuta, earned the rare opportunity after emerging as the overall winner of the 21st Lagos Spelling Bee Competition held in December 2025. Her victory secured her participation in the youth leadership initiative designed to recognize academic excellence and inspire civic responsibility among students.

A video shared on social media showed the governor formally offering his seat to Esther, marking the ceremonial transfer of authority and the start of her one-day tenure.

Announcing the visit in a statement posted on his official X account, Sanwo-Olu described Esther as an outstanding student whose achievements reflect the promise of Lagos’ younger generation.

“Today, I received Miss Etiyemonu Esther, the One Day Governor and overall winner of the 21st Lagos Spelling Bee Competition, a brilliant student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbokuta, at Lagos House, Marina,” the governor said.

He further praised her determination and discipline, noting that her academic success demonstrates the value of dedication and focus.

“Her confidence, focus, and hard work stand out. She represents the very best of our youth, and I am incredibly proud of her achievements,” he added.

Initiative aims to inspire future leaders through education and civic exposure

Esther was accompanied by other student leaders, including Miss Awoyemi Dorcas, who served as One-Day Deputy Governor, and Miss Salami Jumai Olaide, who assumed the role of One-Day Secretary to the State Government. Their parents were also present at the ceremony, which underscored the importance of family support in educational achievement.

The One-Day Governor initiative is designed to expose young Nigerians to the workings of government while encouraging academic excellence and leadership development. Participants are allowed to experience governance firsthand and interact with senior government officials.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the origins of the programme, commending Oluremi Tinubu for creating an initiative that has continued to nurture young leaders in Lagos.

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He noted that the programme has produced several one-day governors over the years, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in their academic and professional pursuits.

By recognising students like Esther, the Lagos State Government aims to reinforce the importance of education as a pathway to leadership and societal impact, while motivating other young people to pursue excellence in their studies and personal development.