Fashola made the observation when the 15 year old Master Edun Olabanji of Army Children Senior Secondary School, Onigbongbo who became ‘One Day Governor’ after coming first in ‘Spelling Bee’ competition, initiated in 2001 by New Era Foundation under the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Fashola who vacated his seat for the young Olabanji and his deputy, Opeyemi Blessing of Keme Balogun College , Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos and Macaulay Elijah Ayodele of Ojota Senior Secondary School said the ceremony is geared towards inspiring younger generation of Nigerians to greatness.
He said the traditional thing prevalent in the country with a change of government would have been to quickly do away with the idea, saying he retained the One -Day governor initiative of his predecessor because of its positive impacts in the lives of the students who participate in the competitions.
“The seed that has been sown will germinate in ways we cannot contemplate , seeds of career choices decisions whether to serve in public sector or private sector .
“One thing that we need to point out is that the state’s public education system is producing excellent results . This is in spite of its challenges . Out of the 14,000 schools in the state . It is only about 2000 that belongs to the government.
” But those 2000 schools are the ones that is providing free education where free text books are given, where tuition is free, where children participate in different clubs, climate change clubs , Farmer’s club, Energy clubs and Be Road Friendly Club. This happens at no cost to the children.
” It is not only one day governor that we celebrate. We celebrate master David a national champion in Physics in the NNPC science competition another champion in Physics competition tested against other students in Nigeria.”
He said story of the success of the children from the state educational system has spurred them to remain focus , saying other potentials will mature in the fullness of time.
Fashola explained that the state education system thrives on diversity, saying the education process is merit driven, ethnic, religious and gender blind but simply developing younger generation for a greater tomorrow.
The governor said his administration has ensured that no child desirous of having education has been left behind, saying that explains why the one day governor whose father is a Carpenter and mother a refuse truck driver with Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) could emerge the winner of the competition.
Earlier, Master Edun Olabanji thanked the Lagos State Government for giving him the opportunity to act as one -day governor.
” The Lagos Governor has taken education to lofty heights and unprecedented level with the provision of text books and furniture for teachers and students , provision of libraries , shuttle buses to solve transportation problem. His excellency also sustained payment of West African Examination Council fees for the students.”
He urged Fashola to provide school bus, electronic library for his school, adding that he will also want the governor to tackle problem of erosion ravaging the premises of his school.
