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11-yr-old Nigerian Emerges Champion At U.S. Consulate Inaugural Spellingbee

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A 11-year-old Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza Ebiebi Salami, from Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja, has emerged the National Champion of the first-ever Spellingbee In Nigeria (SpIN).

The grand finale, held at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Lagos, saw 64 exceptional finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States compete in a thrilling display of linguistic mastery and academic excellence.

The event showcased the incredible talent and determination of Nigeria’s brightest young minds, as they battled through intense rounds of spelling challenges.

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The atmosphere was electric, with attendees including members of the diplomatic corps, C-Suite executives, parents and educational leaders, all witnessing the birth of a new academic tradition in Nigeria.

The competition, which began in September with hundreds of participants across Nigeria, culminated in a fiercely contested finale.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Appoints Kukah Federal Varsity Pro-chancellor

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After hours of grueling rounds, Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza impressed the audience and judges by correctly spelling the winning word, “Melange” to claim the championship title.

As the winner, she will receive an all-expense-paid trip to represent Nigeria at the 100th edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, a historic centennial celebration of academic excellence.

Delivering remarks at the inaugural spelling competition, “Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg highlighted the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ first national spelling bee.      

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On behalf of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, it’s an honor to host the inaugural Spellingbee In Nigeria finals as we mark the 100th anniversary of the United States’ first national spelling bee.

“Since 1925, the Scripps Spelling Bee has showcased American academic excellence, while promoting literacy and a love of the English language among youth. We are very excited this year will also mark Nigeria’s first entrance into the competition, alongside students from all 50 United States and international students from Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, and beyond.”

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Speaking at the event, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, Convener of Spellingbee In Nigeria, expressed her pride in the participants and the transformative impact of the competition.

This is more than just a spelling competition, it’s a platform that builds confidence, public speaking skills and critical thinking in our young learners. Today, we have not only unearthed champions but also inspired a generation of Nigerian students to aim for global excellence. We are grateful to our partners, parents as well as schools for making this dream a reality.”

The event also featured a special virtual appearance by Harini Logan, the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.

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She shared her journey of resilience, offering heartfelt encouragement to the finalists and emphasizing the power of preparation, confidence, and perseverance.

Though unable to attend in person, her words resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on the spellers and making the day even more memorable.

READ ALSO: FULL TEXT: Rivers Assembly’s Accusation Against Fubara, Deputy

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Spellingbee In Nigeria (SpIN) is a prestigious competition affiliated with the globally renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee, USA. It teaches students the rudiments of spelling, vocabulary development and critical thinking among Nigerian students, equipping them with the skills to compete on a global stage.

The success of the SpIN National Finals was made possible through the support of key partners: Indomie Noodles (Title Sponsor), Checkers Custard (Co-Sponsor), Lucid Education Initiative (Local Organizing Partner), the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, the American Business Council of Nigeria, the Rotary Club of VI East, Razzl, First Bank of Nigeria, Seven-Up Bottling Company and AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency (PR Partner).

As Nigeria celebrates its first-ever Spellingbee in Nigeria, the future of academic excellence and global

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competitiveness looks brighter than ever.

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Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

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The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

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READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

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The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: NLC Begins Meeting With ASUU, Other Unions Over Strike

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The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

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However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

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Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

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La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

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He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

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The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

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READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

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“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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