Ijebuland Spelling Bee Competition: AHF Recognizes Outstanding Pupils

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

Faustina Enigbewo of St Mary Anglican Primary School, Ijebu-Imusin, clinched the top spot in the third edition of the Ijebuland Interschool Spelling Bee Competition. Organized by the Anwojue Hope Foundation (AHF), the competition showcased the linguistic prowess of pupils from public schools across Ijebuland, including Ijebu East, Ijebu North, and Ogun Waterside local government areas.

Held at Moslem Primary School, Ijebu-Imusin, Ogun State, the competition featured 24 students representing 12 schools. After rigorous spelling rounds and eliminations, the winners were announced. Joseph Solomon from Saints Mary’s Anglican Primary School, Ijebu-Imusin, secured the second position, while Toluwanimi Ogunlaja from Christ Anglican Primary School, Ijebu-Ife, claimed the third spot.

The deserving winners received cash prizes of N50,000, N30,000, and N20,000, respectively, along with essential school supplies such as notepads and mathematical sets. Additionally, individual awards for the best three spellers were presented to Lateef Suliyat of Early Education Primary School, Oke Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo; Faustina Enigbewo of St Mary’s Anglican Primary School, Ijebu-Imusin; and Osineye Osimayowa of Christ Disciples Primary School, Atikori, Ijebu Igbo. The award for the best-behaved participant went to Faith Arini from Saint Matthew’s Primary School II, Amutebu, Ijebu Igbo.

Mrs. Bieunkah Anwojue, the Executive Director of Anwojue Hope Foundation, conveyed the foundation’s commitment to fostering early child literacy, building self-esteem, and enhancing public speaking skills among pupils in the local government areas. The annual competition provides a platform for healthy academic competition, encouraging students to excel in literacy.

The event received commendation from Olowo Joy Yesuf, a fellow with Teach for Nigeria at Christ Anglican Church Primary School, Ile-Ife, who praised the foundation for promoting healthy competition and academic excellence among pupils.

Key figures present at the event included Mr. N. Onaniyi, Education Secretary, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area; Mr. Olunuga Gbenga, Education Secretary, Ijebu North Local Government Area; and Mr. O.A Ogunade, Education Officer of Ijebu East Local Government Area. The winners were also presented with school bags donated by Dayo Oyeyemi to further motivate their academic endeavors.