14-year-old Esther Etiyemonu becomes Lagos one-day Governor

In a celebration of academic excellence, 14-year-old Esther Etiyemonu, a Senior Secondary School II (SSS 2) pupil of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbookuta, temporarily assumed the role of Lagos State Governor on Monday. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ceremonially stepped down, handing over his duties to the one-day Governor following her victory in the 2025/2026 Lagos Spelling Bee Competition.

Miss Etiyemonu, the overall winner of the 21st edition of the competition, was accompanied by her “cabinet,” including one-day Deputy Governor Dorcas Awoyemi and one-day Secretary to the State Government, Salami Jumain Olaide. The pupils attended the State House in Marina with their parents and teachers for the symbolic handover.

During her brief tenure, Miss Etiyemonu presided over a short cabinet meeting, highlighting the impact of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s educational reforms. She praised initiatives such as teacher recruitment, establishment of technical colleges, digital skills training, renovation of libraries, and overall improvement in public school infrastructure. She also commended the administration’s achievements in transportation, noting the reconstruction of key roads and progress on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit projects, as well as security measures that have enhanced safety across the state.

Sanwo-Olu, in response, lauded Miss Etiyemonu’s achievement as a testament to the state’s investment in education. He highlighted improvements in student performance in external exams such as WASSCE and NECO, and reiterated his commitment to supporting public schools through enhanced facilities, teacher welfare, and school infrastructure.

“The Spelling Bee Competition is a worthy legacy bequeathed to Lagos by the Nigeria First Lady, and we will continue to support this initiative,” the Governor said. He described Miss Etiyemonu as “an embodiment of excellence and quality of students coming out of our public schools.”

The one-day governorship ceremony underscores Lagos State’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and leadership among young students while celebrating the enduring impact of educational initiatives across the state.