By Patrick Obia
Despite monetary challenges, the Nigerian contingent to the International Spelling Bee competition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates made the country proud after winning three out of six coveted positions.
The country participated in Categories 5 and 6 which are for Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary schools.
And, Boki born Pearl Koshi Etika-Matthews of Sweetest Kiddies Empire/Eni Memorial High School, Calabar, Cross River State came 2nd in the junior category whilst Oni Inioluwa Daniel and Olujobi Oluwadarasimi Opeyemi of the Ambassadors College, Ota, Ogun State emerged first and third respectively in the senior category.
Also, Nanret Adamu from St. Augustine College, DU, Jos, Plateau State emerged the most promising speller in the Senior category.
The competition held on Friday 24th September at the Best Western, Hotel Deira Creek in Dubai with the Nigerian Consul having to donate USD500 to help foot the about USD4,000 bill left.
The Nigerian contingent had seven students led by Mr. Akin Olu-Philips, the executive director Of Peat Philips Foundation which is the franchise owner of the International Spelling Bee.
And, Nikita Nkese, the creative director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), said miss Pearl shone through the Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee.
Nkese said the NGO has been contributing greatly to the educational and holistic needs of the Nigerian child with the bee aiming to inculcate the love for reading, spelling and the ability to develop self confidence in children across three States in the country.
