The 21st edition of the Lagos State Local Government Spelling Bee Competition came to a thrilling conclusion on Tuesday at the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Council Secretariat, where pupils and students across various schools gathered to showcase their spelling prowess.

Awoyemi Dorcas Olayinka from Ikosi Senior High School emerged as the overall winner in the secondary school category, while Samuel Victor Ajibola of Ayedere Primary School took home the top prize in the primary school category. The competition, known for its fierce but friendly rivalry, once again lived up to its billing as a platform for academic excellence and youthful brilliance.

In the secondary school division, Ineogben Blessing from Ikosi Junior High School claimed the second position, while Raymond Goodluck of Isheri Senior Grammar School came in third. Meanwhile, in the primary category, Adeniji Habibat of Maidan Primary School secured second place, with Oluwatosin Ezekiah from Express-Way Primary School finishing third.

In her address, the Mayores of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, expressed her delight in hosting the prestigious competition, describing it as more than a contest. According to her, it is a celebration of intellect, confidence, and the boundless potential of young minds.

She emphasized that the Spelling Bee reflects her administration’s deep commitment to educational development at the grassroots, adding that since assuming office, deliberate investments have been made in classroom rehabilitation, provision of modern learning materials, teacher support programs, and scholarships for exceptional pupils.

Princess Bada also highlighted a unique aspect of the competition within Ikosi-Isheri: the introduction of the “One-Day Executive Chairman” title, awarded not only to the winner but also extended to the runner-up — a first in Lagos State. She explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to recognize and reward brilliance at all levels, reinforcing the message that every effort counts.

She credited the origins of the competition to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, whom she described as a “mother of the nation” and a personal role model.

According to her, Senator Tinubu’s legacy in educational advocacy, particularly through the Spelling Bee initiative, continues to inspire leadership and excellence in Lagos State and beyond.

Encouraging the students, Princess Bada charged them to “dream big, believe in their abilities, and aspire to lead.” She reaffirmed her promise to reward this year’s winner with the opportunity to serve as a One-Day Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, along with a package of undisclosed prizes and support, continuing the tradition of encouraging academic excellence among the youth.

She concluded her speech by commending teachers for their selfless service, parents for their unwavering support, and the students for their courage to compete. She reminded all participants that regardless of the outcome, they were already winners by virtue of their participation and determination.