The Abayomi Awodiora Hall in Ajegunle was full of excitement on Wednesday as 100 pupils from 50 schools came together to compete in the 4th Gossy Ukanwoke Annual Spelling Bee.

The event, organised with support from The Divine Stead Foundation, had the theme “Weaving Dreams Through Words”. The young contestants took part in three rounds: oral spelling, flashcards, and speed spelling.

Chukwunedu Benita from Chez Patrick School won first place and received a ₦100,000 prize. Ebuka Ndedolisa of Platinum International School came second and got ₦60,000, while Okeh Kenneth from Godswill Redeemer Nursery and Primary School came third and was awarded ₦40,000.

All ten finalists received gift packs and cash prizes. Every participant was given a certificate, and six pupils were specially praised for doing very well in the earlier stages.

The event also featured inspiring talks from Mr Sunday Daniel, Ms. Adaobi Sandra, and Ms. Njideka Agbo, a former editor of Guardian Life magazine. They encouraged the children to believe in themselves and keep learning.

Ms. Grace Amuzie led the team of volunteers, judges, and organisers who made sure the competition was fair and well-run.

The event was led by Ms. Grace Amuzie, who served as the Convener and Program Coordinator. She was supported by Ms. Amuzie Rose and Ms. Esther Ozordi, who worked as Team Leads to help manage the day’s activities.

A panel of three judges ensured the competition was fair and well-organised. The judges were Ms. Njideka Agbo, Ms. Ali Zara (Lead Judge), and Ms. Nancy Eno. They scored the performances, checked for accuracy, and helped maintain fairness throughout the event.

The spelling bee was started in 2022 by Mr. Gossy Ukanwoke to help children in less privileged communities improve their reading and confidence. Now in its fourth year, the event has become one of Lagos’s most popular youth education programmes, helping many children aim higher in their studies.