Eleven-year-old Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza Ebiebi Salami from Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja, has been crowned the National Champion of the inaugural Spellingbee In Nigeria (SpIN).
The grand finale, held at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Lagos, featured 64 outstanding finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States, competing in an intense display of spelling proficiency and academic excellence.
The event highlighted the remarkable talent and perseverance of Nigeria’s brightest young students as they navigated through challenging rounds of spelling. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees including diplomats, top executives, parents, and education leaders witnessing the birth of a new academic tradition in the country.
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Starting in September with hundreds of participants nationwide, the competition culminated in a fiercely contested final round. Amazing-Grace secured her victory by correctly spelling the word *Melange*, earning the championship title. As the winner, she will embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to the United States to represent Nigeria at the 100th edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a historic centennial celebration of academic achievement.
In her remarks, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg underscored the significance of the occasion, marking Nigeria’s first-ever participation in the prestigious spelling bee. She highlighted the legacy of the Scripps Spelling Bee since its inception in 1925 and its role in promoting literacy and a love for the English language among young learners worldwide.
Eugenia Tachie-Menson, the convener of Spellingbee In Nigeria, expressed her pride in the participants and the competition’s transformative impact. She emphasized that the event was more than just a contest it served as a platform to foster confidence, public speaking skills, and critical thinking among young learners. She also extended gratitude to partners, parents, and schools for making the event a success.
A special virtual appearance by Harini Logan, the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion, added inspiration to the occasion. She shared her personal journey of resilience and encouraged the finalists, stressing the importance of preparation, confidence, and perseverance. Though she was unable to attend in person, her words left a lasting impression on the young spellers, making the event even more memorable.
