14-Year-Old Nigerian Triumphs in Inaugural Igbo Spelling Bee Competition
The Igbo language, predominant in the Eastern part of Nigeria, took center stage as students were evaluated on their spelling prowess, Igbo syllabication, and punctuation. The competition, organized by City Speller Bee in collaboration with Onitsha Business School, aimed to promote the native language and engage the youth.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a historic event held in Anambra state, South-East Nigeria, 14-year-old Oluebeube Ogbonna emerged victorious in the first-ever Igbo spelling bee competition, surpassing 356 contestants from public and private secondary schools in the Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha educational zones.
The Igbo language, predominant in the Eastern part of Nigeria, took center stage as students were evaluated on their spelling prowess, Igbo syllabication, and punctuation. The competition, organized by City Speller Bee in collaboration with Onitsha Business School, aimed to promote the native language and engage the youth.
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Mr. Chinedu Aniagboso, the competition's Project Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the students' proficiency in Igbo, stating, "You can see how excited these students are competing in their own language; they not only understand English, they are also proficient in Igbo."
The winner, Oluebeube Ogbonna, a student at Divine Rays British School in Anambra, secured the first position and a prize of N300,000. Oruche Chukwuma of St Paul’s Seminary Ukpor claimed the second position, winning N100,000, followed by Okeke Godswill of Divine Rays British School Obosi in the third position, earning N50,000.
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Professor Ogochukwu Ifeka, an Igbo Literature expert at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, emphasized the competition's positive impact on reviving the Igbo language. He believes it will inspire youth interest in native languages, encouraging them to pursue careers within their linguistic heritage.
Mr. Chinedu Aniagboso expressed aspirations to make the Igbo spelling bee competition an annual event, calling for partnerships to further support the growth of students in their native language.
