BY SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH, 21 NOVEMBER 2012

After correctly spelling 37 words live on-stage, 15 year-old Ibukun Omoyeni of Prince of Glory College, Lagos, spelt the word myxomatosis to win the 2012 edition of Spellbound Africa recently held at Abuja. He beat children from 13 other states and the FCT to successfully defend the Title won by Gbemileke Oyefeso also of Lagos State in 2011.

In second position was 12 year old Hauwa'u Lawal of Jigawa State Academy For the Gifted and Talented, Bamaina. She spelt 37 words correctly. Adaeze Williams of Divine Mercy Secondary School, Abuja came third, while Olivia Okechukwu of Community Senior Secondary school Oyingbo, Rivers State, came fourth.

The children studied 3,000 english words for 3 months from which words were chosen for them to spell. Words like phantasmagoria, arteriosclerosis, neuroinformatics, discombobulated, higgledy-piggledy etc were spelt.

At this event, the Guest of Honour, the Governor of Jigawa State, represented by Alhaji Isa Audu, received the annual SUPER-DAD AWARD from organisers of the competition Ski-Hi Entertainment for his contribution to education in Jigawa State. He restated his commitment to education as a means of preparing the young generation for the challenges ahead of them. Aero Contractors also received the Most Supportive & Reliable Brand Award 2012 for consistently supporting this project.

Spellbound Africa is an annual spelling competition for children studying in the English-speaking African countries. It is for children between 10 and 15 years old and has run for four years now.

The Chief Executive of Ski-Hi Entertainment, Mr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, called on corporate brands and media houses to consider sponsoring academic events like this if Nigeria is to have any hope of prosperity in future. He also, pointed out that football, music or acting is not the only war to fame and fortune; but that everyone should cooperate to present academic excellence as a sustainable route to the top.

15 States of the federation as well as Ghana and Sierra Leone participated in the 2012 edition of Spellbound Africa.

Gentle Naaz: Trut b told, ds children atndd skuls lik Covenant child, Kings n Queens college, living world, Early learning,etc. and nt skuls lik umuikpo developmnt community primary skul, Army barak, umuodu village skul, etc.

Gentle Naaz: Trut b told, ds children atndd skuls lik Covenant child, Kings n Queens college, living world, Early learning,etc. and nt skuls lik umuikpo developmnt community primary skul, Army barak, umuodu village skul, etc.

mascot87: Ha , it reminded me of when iI win the overall best spell champions in zamfara. I was able to spells 75 correct word at a goes.

O.M.E:
at a goes?? U must have competed with yourself..

mascot87: Ha , it reminded me of when iI win the overall best spell champions in zamfara. I was able to spells 75 correct word at a goes.

Bisjosh: I will keep loving my YORUBA people.

mascot87: Ha , it reminded me of when iI win the overall best spell champions in zamfara. I was able to spells 75 correct word at a goes.

Danka7777:

You must have been a spectacular speller judging from your statement above and choice of grammar.

Toppié2: I'm so proud of her. Congratulations!