…….Calls For National Spelling Bee To Produce Ceremonial Child President.
Emmanuel Ikpeama and Chioma Ogwua
The Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande (JAKO), has charged pupils and students across the council to imbibe a strong reading culture, discipline and determination, describing education as the only legacy that can never be stolen. 
Dr. Jakande gave the charge on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the grand finale of the 2026 Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Spelling Bee Competition held at the Council Hall, Ilupeju, in an atmosphere filled with excitement, brilliance and healthy academic rivalry.
Addressing the young spellers, the council boss said the Spelling Bee is far beyond spelling words, noting that it is a platform that builds confidence, sharpens the brain, promotes vocabulary mastery and prepares children for future leadership.
“If you want to be a leader tomorrow, you must be a reader today. The books you read today will shape the speeches you will give tomorrow as governors, ministers and presidents,”Jakande told the cheering pupils.
He told the students that there is no shortcut to success, urging them to stay away from distractions, social media excesses and peer pressure, and to focus on their studies.
“Discipline is the bridge between dreams and achievement. A talented child without discipline will fail, but an average child with discipline, consistency and reading will conquer the world,”he added.
In a passionate appeal, Dr. Jakande called on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to take the Lagos Spelling Bee success story to the national stage by institutionalizing a National Spelling Bee that will produce a ceremonial One-Day Child President of Nigeria.
He recalled that the Spelling Bee initiative was pioneered by Senator Tinubu through her New Era Foundation when she was First Lady of Lagos State during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor, with the star prize of becoming One-Day Governor of Lagos State.
“Imagine a 12-year-old girl from Sokoto or a 10-year-old boy from Bayelsa sitting in the Presidential Villa as a ceremonial President of Nigeria for one day. That single experience will change his or her life forever and ignite a new love for education across the country,” Jakande stated.
“Madam First Lady, you started this vision in Lagos. Nigeria is waiting for you to expand it. Let us raise a generation that will compete with their peers globally. Let us produce a One-Day Child President,”he appealed.
Earlier in the programme, the address of the Executive Chairperson of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Mrs. Adebimpe Jakande, who was unavoidably absent, was delivered by the Council Manager, *Mrs. Mojisola Ogabi.
In her address, Mrs. Jakande warmly welcomed the pupils, teachers and parents, describing the Spelling Bee as a celebration of the brilliance and limitless potential domiciled in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye.
She reaffirmed her joint commitment with the Chairman to creating a supportive learning environment for every child in the LCDA, noting that education remains the cornerstone of the administration’s HEWA Agenda.
According to her, the administration has continued to demonstrate this commitment through deliberate interventions such as the Jako Jollof feeding programme for pupils, the recent distribution of free back-to-school kits comprising school bags, uniforms and writing materials, and continuous support for schools across the council.
“To our dear children, I want you to know that we believe in you. You are the reason we work hard every day. Keep dreaming, keep reading, and keep making us proud. Your success is our greatest joy,” the Chairperson’s message read in part.
She congratulated all participants and wished them success in their academic journeys, encouraging them to remain disciplined, focused and respectful to their teachers and parents.
After several tension-soaked rounds, Master Odum Adeboye Enoch of Ilupeju Nursery and Primary School emerged winner in the primary school category, while the brilliant Miss Aina Heritage of Ransom Kuti Secondary School* dominated the secondary school category. Both will represent the LCDA at the Lagos State grand finale.
Speaking with palpable joy shortly after being declared winner, Master Odum Adeboye thanked God, his parents and his teachers for their support.
“I am very happy. I want to thank Dr. Jakande for this opportunity. I promise to read more, learn the meaning of new words every day and make Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye proud at the state competition,” he said.
On her part, Miss Aina Heritage, who could not hide her excitement, dedicated her victory to her school and fellow competitors.
“This win means a lot to me. I studied very hard for it. I appreciate our Chairman, Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande, for encouraging us. I will not relent; I will prepare harder to win at the state level and become the One-Day Governor of Lagos State by God’s grace,”she said.
Other top performers include Onokoya Arike (Biney Memorial Primary School) and Adisa Khalid (Kosy Bethel Primary School) who came 2nd and 3rd in the primary category, while Dada Christiana (Ilupeju Secondary School) and Nnamdi Victory (Ojuwoye Senior Comprehensive Secondary School) clinched 2nd and 3rd in the secondary category.
Dr. Jakande congratulated all participants, emphasizing that “there is no loser in education. Every child who stood up to spell a word today is already a winner and a future ambassador of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye.”
The event was graced by Vice Chairman Elder Gbeminiyi Awodogan, SLG Hon. Mujeeb Daramola, Supervisor for Education Hon. Abayomi Macaulay, Education Secretary Mr. Olokodana Yusif, CDC Chairman Alhaji Sulaimon Dabiri, CAN representative Rev. Olaiya David, councillors, teachers, parents and pupils.
