Lagos Governor Celebrates Esther Etiyemonu—Spelling Bee Champion and “One-Day Governor”

Africa, Education, Politics

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday hosted Miss Esther Etiyemonu, the newly crowned One-Day Governor of Lagos State and overall winner of the 21st Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, at Lagos House, Marina.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Esther, a student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbokuta, describing her as “a brilliant student” whose confidence, focus, and hard work distinguished her in the statewide contest.

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

He added: “Esther, all of Lagos is rooting for you and your bright future. Congratulations once again.”

The Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, inaugurated in 2001, produced its first One-Day Governor in Bisi Adeyemi. Since then, the tradition has continued, inspiring generations of Lagos students.

Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, the competition aims to promote literacy, language development, and academic excellence. Beyond spelling, it fosters confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills, with the highlight being the winner’s symbolic opportunity to serve as One-Day Governor of Lagos State — sitting in the Governor’s chair and experiencing leadership firsthand.