Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Tuesday hosted the 21st edition of the Lagos State One-Day Governor initiative, with Lagos State Model College, Igbo-Okuta, emerging winner of the coveted award.
The Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, received the Lagos State One-Day Governor, Miss Etiyemonu Esther of Lagos State Model College, Igbo-Okuta; the One-Day Deputy Governor, Miss Awoyemi Dorcas; and the One-Day Secretary to the State Government, Miss Salami Jumai Olaide, during an official visit to the council secretariat in Imota.
The visit formed part of scheduled engagements across key institutions in the state under the One-Day Governor programme, an initiative aimed at promoting leadership, academic excellence and civic responsibility among students.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Ayodele described the occasion as a proud moment for Imota LCDA and a testament to the Lagos State Government’s sustained commitment to quality education, mentorship and leadership development.
He commended the initiator of the Spelling Bee competition, Senator Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, OON, as well as the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for sustaining the laudable initiative. According to him, the programme provides students with a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience of governance, nurture leadership skills from an early age and remain inspired to pursue academic excellence and responsible citizenship.
The chairman reiterated that his administration remains committed to policies and programmes that advance education and the overall development of young people in Imota LCDA. He assured that the council would continue to collaborate with the state government on initiatives that promote discipline, innovation and excellence among students.
Emphasising that education remains the cornerstone of societal growth and development, Hon. Ayodele charged the young awardees to remain focused on their goals and never lose sight of their aspirations.
In her remarks, the Lagos State One-Day Governor, Miss Etiyemonu Esther, expressed appreciation to the council chairman and leadership of Imota LCDA for the warm reception accorded the delegation. She described the experience as both enlightening and inspiring, noting that it had broadened her understanding of governance and public service.
She encouraged students across the state to remain diligent in their academic pursuits and uphold the values of discipline, hard work and integrity, stressing that education remains the key to unlocking opportunities and building a brighter future.
The One-Day Deputy Governor and the Student Secretary to the State Government also lauded the leadership of Imota LCDA for its commitment to grassroots development, particularly in education and youth-focused initiatives, describing such efforts as instrumental to community progress.
In his address, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mr. Omotayo Layemo Sanni, commended the council chairman for his strides in education, infrastructure and youth development. He noted that the student leaders are from Education District II, adding that programmes of this nature contribute significantly to educational advancement in the district.
Similarly, the Education Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Taiwo Odumbo, congratulated the One-Day Governor, Deputy Governor and Student SSG on their outstanding academic achievements, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of the district and the state.
The Head of Education Department, Miss Olufowobi A.O., also advised the young leaders to maximise the opportunity, reaffirming the department’s commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment across Imota LCDA.
Dignitaries at the event included the Ranodu of Imota, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, CFR, Olufoworesete II, represented by the Olisa of Imota, Chief Olumuyiwa Adebogun; the Director-General of Education Quality Assurance, Dr. Sulaimon Olagoke Ogunmuyiwa; Director of Special Programmes, Mr. Akeem Agbabiaka; and Director Kehinde Ogunlana.
Other notable attendees were the Vice Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. (Princess) Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh; the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Oluwole Adesina; Deputy Leader, Hon. Aberuagba Sunday; Majority Leader, Hon. Jelili Busayo; Council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Akinyemi; Hon. Kamilu Ogunnowo; Council Treasurer, Mr. Onifade Oluyemi; Imota NULGE Chairman, Comrade Olatayo Taiwo Hassan; as well as management staff, parents, students and teachers.
The visit concluded with an interactive session, exchange of goodwill messages and a group photograph, as both the council leadership and visiting delegation reaffirmed their shared commitment to youth leadership, educational excellence and community development.
