Bariga LCDA organises Spelling Bee to promote intellectual development
Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State on Wednesday organised a Spelling Bee competition to encourage reading and promote intellectual development among pupils and students in public schools.
The 2026 Preliminary Spelling Bee Competition featured 40 participants, comprising 29 pupils from primary schools and 11 students from secondary schools within Bariga LCDA and surrounding communities.
The participants demonstrated remarkable spelling abilities, confidence and knowledge during the keenly contested competition, which gave them an opportunity to showcase their academic abilities and strengthen their interest in learning.
Speaking at the programme, the LCDA Chairman, Mrs Omope Adedeji, said the event celebrated “the power of language, the joy of learning, and the determination of our young scholars.”
Adedeji, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr Babatunde Adeshida, said every word the participants spelt correctly testified to their hard work, dedication and commitment to academic excellence.
She announced the winners in the primary and secondary school categories, with participants securing first, second and third positions after a keenly contested competition that tested their spelling abilities and knowledge.
Adedeji congratulated all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances, urging those who did not emerge winners to regard the competition as an opportunity to learn, improve and prepare.
The chairman urged the participants not to focus only on spelling words correctly, but also to learn, grow and inspire others while allowing their passion for language to shine brightly.
Adedeji said the competition was not merely about winning or losing, but also about the journey, friendships built and memories created by participants throughout the learning experience and competition.
She said, “Let’s celebrate the love of learning, the thrill of competition, and the incredible potential that lies within each and every one of you.”
The chairman commended the participants for their impressive performances, urging them to remain committed to their studies and continue developing their talents through learning, discipline, creativity and consistent academic effort.
She added that the event enabled participating pupils and students to demonstrate their spelling abilities while encouraging healthy academic competition, intellectual development and a love for learning among young people.
“I want to commend the teachers for their dedication and contributions towards the education and development of the children. Teachers play a critical role in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders,” she said.
Adedeji appreciated the teachers for going beyond classroom instruction to identify and develop the talents and potentials of their pupils, urging them to continue inspiring young people to pursue excellence.
The chairman reaffirmed that investing in children’s education and intellectual development remained an investment in Bariga’s future and society at large, while encouraging stakeholders to sustain such initiatives.
Also speaking, Mr Wasiu Balogun, Leader of the Legislative Arm, acknowledged the efforts of parents and school authorities in supporting the children’s educational growth and encouraging participation in academic activities.
Balogun stressed that developing responsible and intellectually sound future leaders required collective efforts from government, schools, teachers, parents and the wider community to provide support, guidance and opportunities for them.
In her appreciation, Taiwo Adeloye, winner of the secondary school category, said the competition had helped to build her confidence, expand her vocabulary and improve her English pronunciation.
She said the rigorous preparation for the competition had strengthened her academic growth and encouraged her to develop greater interest in learning and language proficiency among fellow students.
The programme was attended by parents, teachers, council members, councillors, supervisors and management, who joined participants and organisers in marking the academic event and celebrating learning.
(NAN)
