By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Golden Crest Royal Academy emerged as the overall winner in both the junior and senior secondary categories of an inter-school spelling bee competition.
It was organised by Safe Heritage Crest Academy.
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At the end of the competition on Thursday, Rhema Salla from Golden Crest Royal Academy secured first place, while Tochi Nwachukwu and Somto Ononyem from Safe Heritage Crest Academy came second and third, respectively.
In the senior category, Praise Otokpa from Golden Crest Royal Academytook first place, followed by Fortune Isa from Safe Heritage Crest Academyin second place, and Munachi Edozie, also from Golden Crest Royal Academy, in third.
Dr Bamidele Arolasafe, Chief Operating Officer of Safe Heritage Crest Academy, stated that the competition aimed to develop essential skills in students.
According to him, the maiden edition of the competition was designed to equip children with fundamental skills necessary for a brighter future.
“The competition is not about proving which school is stronger but about developing important skills in our children.
“We want to encourage students to think critically, process information quickly, listen attentively, and communicate effectively.
“At the end of the day, we believe these competitions will help build the necessary skills for personal and academic growth.
“Spelling forms the foundation of learning, once a student can hear, pronounce, and spell correctly, their proficiency in other subjects will improve.
“This competition, in its own way, contributes to the overall academic development of these children,” he said.
Arolasafe also called on corporate organisations to support the competition and help expand it to a national level.
Mrs Bolanle Moses, the school’s administrator, emphasised the importance of the English language as the foundation for success in all subjects.
She encouraged schools to organise spelling bee competitions to aid students’ mental development.
She noted that such competitions help students build vocabulary skills, which can contribute to success in other subjects.
“This competition tests children’s linguistic and vocabulary skills. Words that spark curiosity and challenge imagination push them beyond their limits,” she said.
Mrs Naima Abdulkadir, a parent, praised the school’s initiative in nurturing the talents of young learners.
She expressed confidence in the ability of the students to compete favourably with their peers across the country.
Solomon Olotu, a JSS 3 student at Safe Heritage Crest Academy, acknowledged the challenges of preparing for the competition and ultimately celebrating its success.
He urged the government and school owners to organise similar competitions to help students discover and develop their talents.
“For me, this is not just a spelling bee competition but an opportunity to learn new words and apply them in the right context,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven schools participated in the competition, with winners receiving trophies for their schools.
The participating schools included Kingdom Heritage Academy, Golden Crest Royal Academy, Safe Heritage Crest Academy, and Methodist Schools, among others. (NAN)
