29th October, 2024
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and senior government officials, welcomed Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, the overall winner of the 20th Spelling Bee Competition, who was appointed as the ‘One-Day Governor’ of Lagos State.
Abdulrahmon, a student of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, was honoured at a reception held on Monday at the Lagos House in Marina.
Abdulrahmon, accompanied by ‘One-Day Deputy Governor’ Oki Sewanu Coordinator from Ansar-Ud-Deen Senior Grammar School, Badagry, and ‘One-Day Secretary to the State Government’ Saheed Alimot-Odere of Jubilee Model Senior Grammar School, Coker Aguda, was praised for his accomplishments.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the Spelling Bee initiative’s impact on students’ confidence and linguistic skills, attributing the competition’s success to the state’s commitment to youth development.
In a later gathering at the Lagos House Exco Chamber in Ikeja, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat represented Sanwo-Olu, commending the students for their achievements and urging them to follow in the footsteps of previous winners who have made significant strides.
“As proud products of Lagos State, you should aim to positively impact our country and reshape any negative perceptions,” Hamzat remarked.
In response to Abdulrahmon’s request for an ICT lab for Oriwu Senior Model College, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged to fulfil the need, instructing the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, to commence work on the project.
First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Deputy Governor, encouraged the young leaders to prioritise their education, reaffirming the state government’s dedication to creating a supportive learning environment.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu introduced various youth-focused initiatives from her office, including campaigns against drug abuse and gender-based violence, as well as the Lagos Boy Child Initiative.
Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, praised the state’s ongoing educational investments, promising career opportunities for the students within Lagos State’s public service. “You have a reserved place here in the Lagos State Public Service,” he assured.
Alli-Balogun shared that the One-Day Governor’s tour across government offices aimed to broaden the students’ understanding of leadership, enhancing their future aspirations.
Mr. Remi Abdul, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Office of Education Quality Assurance, commended the competition’s rigorous standards, highlighting its role in motivating Lagos students.
Expressing gratitude for the experience, Abdulrahmon described the day as “enlightening and unforgettable,” thanking the state government for its support.
Later, he and his team visited the Ayangburen of Ikorodu and the Lagos State Education District 2 headquarters, enriching their experience with insights into the state’s educational structure.