From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Fourteen-year-old Inko Sodana Precious of Tare Pet Montessori Group of schools has emerged winner (Secondary category) of the 10th edition of the Spelling Bee competition in Bayelsa.
Opuene Michelle aged 12 of New Total Child Academy took the second position while 11-year-old Berachan Michelle Okumoko of Faith Comprehensive International Secondary School and 12-year-old Ominigbo Amararu Natei of New Total Child Academy were joint holders of the third position.
Ebi- Samuel Marvellous aged 12 of New Total Child Academy took the fifth position while Igwe Onyinyechi aged 13 of Hansal International School was the best-behaved student and 11-year-old Sunshine Selekumo Damingo of Amcel Breed International School went home with the Best Diction prize.
In the primary category tagged Science Bee, Meme Joanna aged nine from Jacob Beredugo International School emerged winner with Meme Eliora aged eight also from Jacob Beredugo International School taking the second position.
Mmadu Chinaza aged 10 of Amcel Breed International School settled for the third position, while Ajuiva Powei aged nine of Amcel Breed International School and Amaegbe Patricia aged nine of Tare Pet Montesosri Group of Schools took the fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Amaegbe Patricia also clinched the Best Diction prize while Leticia Ojukonsin aged eight of Amcel Breed International School went home with the Best Behaved Prize.
Dr Okumoko Tubo, an associate professor of Economics, Niger Delta University, Amassoma in an interview called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the State Ministry of Education to collaborate with the organizers and institute awards as part of the efforts to boost literacy advancement in the state.
The programme lead, Spelling Bee Bayelsa, Dr Ebideyefa Tarilah Nikade speaking on the success of the competition which clocked 10 this year stressed that the aim of the programme is to consistently create a platform to promote literacy as well as create awareness that there is reward for educational activities.
According to her, Spelling Bee Bayelsa is also to sharpen the wits of pupils in Bayelsa while also enhancing the spirit of sportsmanship which is lacking in the society.
Dr Nikade seized the opportunity to call for support from the government and other relevant agencies, organisations and oil companies to promote literacy in Bayelsa state.
“This competition is something that is suppose to be supported by the relevant agencies and even the government, we have not been able to access that fortunate level of commitment from those agencies but the Spelling Bee Bayelsa has been endorsed by the Ministry Of Education, they are aware this type of programme is ongoing and they gave us permission to hold the programme and involve public and private schools that’s the much support they have given to us.’’
