Gabrella Ogbu
Daniel Success, a 10-year-old student in Primary Six at Our Lady of Apostles, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has emerged as the winner of the annual spelling bee competition. The event, which saw participation from 53 schools in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, was held at Methodist Nursery/Primary School, Oke-Yeke, Abeokuta.
Success was awarded a mini-computer (tablet), a school bag, and a set of mathematics and writing supplies for his victory. The competition, now in its fourth year, was organized by the non-governmental organization Children Empowerment Fund. Mrs. Esther Martins, Head of Academics and School Services in Abeokuta, was present at the event.
Temitope Akinrotimi, the program manager for the Children Empowerment Fund, explained that the participants were given 600 words to study along with their synonyms to broaden their vocabulary and prepare them for the competitive global environment.
Akinrotimi also highlighted other cooperative initiatives like the Back to School Project, which currently supports 200 children with scholarships. She urged the government to provide more support to NGOs such as the Children Empowerment Fund to further educational development.
Mrs. Esther Martins praised the program, noting that spelling is a fundamental skill for mastering the English language and that the interactive format of the competition greatly benefited the students.
Expressing her joy, Success attributed her victory to her diligent efforts and the guidance of her instructor, Mrs. Deborah Oluwole, who shared in the pride of having her student clinch the first place.
The event not only showcased the spelling prowess of the young participants but also underscored the importance of educational programs that empower children and prepare them for future challenges. The Children Empowerment Fund continues to play a pivotal role in fostering educational excellence and providing opportunities for young learners in Ogun State and beyond.
