Breaking News: Sanwo-Olu Hands Over to 14-Year-Old Spelling Bee Champion as One-Day Lagos Governor
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday temporarily vacated his seat at the State House, Marina, as 14-year-old Miss Esther Etiyemonu assumed office as the One-Day Governor of Lagos State.
Miss Etiyemonu, a Senior Secondary School II (SSS II) student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbookuta, Imota in Ikorodu Division, earned the honour after emerging overall winner of the 2025/2026 Spelling Bee Competition organised for public secondary schools across the state.
The young scholar, who won the 21st edition of the annual competition, was formally received by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the State House alongside her two-member “cabinet.” The team included the One-Day Deputy Governor, Miss Dorcas Awoyemi of Ikosi Senior High School, and the One-Day Secretary to the State Government, Miss Salami Jumain Olaide of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Yaba. They were accompanied by their parents and teachers for the symbolic transition of power.
During her brief time in office, Miss Etiyemonu presided over a State Executive Council meeting, demonstrating poise and confidence as she addressed issues concerning education and youth development in the state.
The Spelling Bee initiative, which produced the One-Day Governor, was pioneered by former Lagos State First Lady and current Nigeria First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as part of efforts to promote literacy, academic excellence, and healthy competition among students in public schools.
The annual programme continues to serve as a platform to nurture leadership qualities and intellectual growth among young learners in Lagos State.