Daniel Success, a ten-year-old Primary Six pupil from Our Lady of Apostles, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has clinched the title of overall best in the Annual Spelling Bee Competition. The competition, which featured participants from 53 schools across Abeokuta South, Ogun State, was held at Methodist Nursery/Primary School, Oke-Yeke, Abeokuta.
Success impressed judges and spectators alike with his exceptional spelling prowess, earning himself a mini-computer (tablet), a school bag, a mathematical set, and a set of writing materials, among other prizes. The event, now in its fourth edition, was organized by the Children Empowerment Fund, a non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing children’s educational opportunities.
Temitope Akinrotimi, Programme Manager of the Children Empowerment Fund, highlighted the rigorous preparation involved in the competition. “Approximately 600 words were provided to the children to learn, understand their synonyms, and expand their minds to prepare them for a competitive global village,” Akinrotimi explained.
Mrs. Esther Martins, Head of Academics and School Services in Abeokuta, Ogun State, attended the event and commended the initiative. She stressed the importance of spelling as a fundamental skill for mastering the English language and praised the interactive nature of the competition for its educational benefits to the participants.
Success, humbled by his victory, attributed his success to hard work and the guidance of his teacher, Mrs. Deborah Oluwole. Mrs. Oluwole expressed her joy at seeing one of her pupils excel and underscored the importance of such competitions in boosting children’s confidence and academic abilities.
The Children Empowerment Fund, known for its collaborative efforts such as the Back to School Project, which supports approximately 200 children with scholarships, urged the government to enhance support for NGOs involved in educational empowerment initiatives.
The Annual Spelling Bee Competition not only celebrates academic excellence but also fosters a spirit of healthy competition among students, preparing them for future challenges in their educational journey.