The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has received the winner of the 21st Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, Esther Etiyemonu, describing the annual contest as a lasting legacy of the ministry.
Miss Etiyemonu, who also served as the state’s One-Day Governor, visited the commissioner’s office at the Ministry of Education in Alausa, Ikeja, alongside members of her team.
Mr Alli-Balogun congratulated the student on her achievement and encouraged her and her colleagues to serve as positive representatives of their schools, families and communities. He said dedicated and focused students had strong prospects for future success.
“As a state, we are committed to nurturing future leaders and building character,” he said. He also urged parents to continue guiding their children and instilling strong values.
The commissioner highlighted what he described as progress in Lagos State’s education sector, including increased student participation in local and international academic competitions and the recruitment of additional teachers. He emphasised the importance of students being well informed and acting as ambassadors of educational development.
He also praised the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) for organising the Spelling Bee competition, which he said has helped promote academic excellence, confidence and leadership among students since its introduction in 2001.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, commended parents, teachers and organisers for supporting youth development. She said the One-Day Governor initiative was designed to give students insight into governance and encourage civic responsibility.
The Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Sanni Omotayo Layemo, said the district remained committed to supporting students’ academic and personal growth. He encouraged the participants to continue striving for excellence in their chosen careers.
The Director-General of OEQA, Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, said the competition had been closely contested and praised the determination of the winners. He described their visit to senior government offices as an important opportunity to learn about leadership and public service.
During the visit, laptops were presented to the winners to support their education. The programme included meetings with senior officials and concluded with photo sessions and informal interactions.
The Lagos State Spelling Bee was established in 2001 by Senator Oluremi Tinubu through the New Era Foundation. It aims to promote literacy, confidence and academic excellence among pupils in public primary and secondary schools across the state.
The competition involves students from all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos and has become one of the state’s most prominent academic initiatives.
Miss Etiyemonu was accompanied by the One-Day Deputy Governor, Dorcas Awoyemi, and the One-Day Secretary to the State Government, Jumai Salami, as well as education officials and other stakeholders.
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