Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Temporarily Vacates Seat for 14-Year-Old Spelling Bee Winner
In a remarkable display of youth empowerment and educational excellence, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State temporarily vacated his seat on Monday, February 16, 2026, ceding the position to 14-year-old Esther Etiyemonu. The young student, who emerged as the overall winner of the 2025/2026 Spelling Bee Competition for public secondary schools in Lagos, symbolically took over as the state's one-day governor.
Details of the One-Day Governance Initiative
Esther Etiyemonu, a student at Lagos State Senior Model College in Igbookuta, Imota, Ikorodu Division, was received by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the State House in Marina. She was accompanied by her two cabinet members: Dorcas Awoyemi, the one-day deputy governor from Ikosi Senior High School, and Salami Jumain Olaide, the one-day secretary to the state government from Angus Memorial Senior High School in Yaba. The students were supported by their parents and teachers during the event.
Etiyemonu presided over a short meeting of the State Executive Council, marking a significant milestone in the 21st edition of the Spelling Bee competition. This initiative traces its origins to a project started by former First Lady and current First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, through the New Era Foundation in 2001, with the concept of the One Day Governor reportedly initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Public Reactions to the Event
The video and pictures from the occasion have sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians, celebrating this moment as a testament to youth leadership and merit-based recognition. Many praised the initiative for fostering confidence and hard work among young people.
- Prince commented: "A truly proud moment. Excellence, confidence, and hard work on full display, Esther is a shining example of the future Lagos is building. Congratulations to her."
- Citykush noted: "First Lady Oluremi Tinubu started this initiative in 2001 through the New Era Foundation, and the idea of One Day Governor was initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."
- Everything Politics congratulated Esther: "Big congratulations to Esther Etiyemonu, a proud moment for her and for Lagos. Hopefully, as she grows and aspires to greater leadership, we will judge her by merit, not by narrow definitions of who is 'Lagos enough.' Talent should never be limited by identity politics."
- Niyi added: "A legacy institutionalised by a visionary leader. Over two decades of practice, and growing stronger. I salute @officialABAT, a distinguished leader amongst his peers & juniors. Congratulations to the young lady."
Background on the Spelling Bee and Related Events
The Spelling Bee competition, which Esther Etiyemonu won, is part of a broader effort to promote educational excellence and youth engagement in governance. This event underscores Lagos State's commitment to nurturing future leaders through such initiatives.
In a related development, Governor Sanwo-Olu had previously declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a work-free day in Lagos State to celebrate the 2025 Isese Day, emphasizing the government's dedication to cultural values and heritage. A circular issued by the governor instructed account officers to ensure widespread notification that work would resume at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 21.
This one-day governance program not only highlights the achievements of young students like Esther but also reinforces the importance of educational programs in shaping responsible and capable leaders for Nigeria's future.
