Amazing-Grace Salami, an 11-year-old student from Nigeria, won the inaugural Spelling Bee competition and will represent her country at the global Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, receiving various prizes and recognition along the way.
An 11-year-old student, Amazing-Grace Salami, from Greenspill International School in Abuja, has triumphed in Nigeria’s Spelling Bee (SpIN) competition.
Salami emerged victorious against 63 other finalists from both the United States and various international schools in Nigeria, taking home the coveted title. The announcement was made by the Acting U.S. Consul General, JoEllen Gorg, during the Grand Finale of the inaugural Spelling Bee in Nigeria, which took place in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SpIN is associated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a prestigious event that has been celebrating spelling excellence since 1925. This year’s competition kicked off in August 2024 with a pool of 200 students from 15 schools throughout the country, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the National Spelling Bee in the United States.
During the ceremony, Gorg revealed that the second runner-up was Ifeoluwapo Okuboyejo, and the third runner-up was Naomi Ociuco. Salami is set to represent Nigeria at the centennial edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, where she will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., along with $500 in spending money, an engraved trophy, Indomie products, a gold medal, and a one-year subscription to the Merriam-Webster dictionary valued at $10,000.
The second and third-place contestants will also receive Indomie products, $100 in spending money, silver and bronze medals, citations for their achievements, and an invitation to the centenary edition in the U.S. They will also have automatic entry into the semi-finals of the next SpIN edition, a recognition citation, and a novel worth ₦20,000.
Gorg remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “Although this is Nigeria’s first edition, we are celebrating 100 years of spelling excellence in the United States. It is a privilege to welcome Nigeria to this grand occasion.”
Today’s Grand Finale showcased 64 remarkable finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States, all vying for the title of Nigeria’s inaugural SpIN champion. Additionally, three other finalists will have the chance to join the winners as part of Nigeria’s official delegation, fostering continued participation and motivating future generations.
Gorg emphasized the critical role of spelling as a skill for youth, expressing hope that all participants would harness the knowledge gained to pursue remarkable achievements, including studying in the U.S. and contributing to Nigeria’s progress. She found inspiration in Salami’s name, “Amazing-Grace,” symbolizing unity, peace, and prosperity between Nigeria and the United States.
Eugenia Tachie-Menson, the convener of the event, noted that the contestants excelled in more than just memorization; they had grasped the fundamentals of the English language. “They have analyzed word structures, recalled roots and origins, and applied linguistic knowledge across diverse academic disciplines. These skills will serve them well beyond the competition, enhancing critical thinking, comprehension, and communication throughout their lives,” she stated.
Corrie Loeffler, Executive Director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, reflected on the competition’s growth and the joy it brings, expressing gratitude to the supporters, organizations, and educators who believe in its positive impact on young lives.
Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council in Nigeria, recognized the finalists for their exceptional achievements, praising the event for showcasing dedication and excellence among talented individuals. She stressed the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of various industries and communities.
Femi Adenekan, the District Governor of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, District 9112 Nigeria, reinforced Rotary’s commitment to education and literacy, stating that investing in educational initiatives in Nigeria is essential for fostering a more peaceful, educated, skilled, and empowered society.
Amazing-Grace Salami’s mother, Kemi Salami, described her daughter as a determined individual who has worked diligently despite her upcoming school exams. In her closing speech, Amazing-Grace thanked the organizers for the opportunity and vowed to represent Nigeria with pride at the global competition, promising to put in even more effort to make the country proud in the United States.
READ ALSO: Meet First African American to Win National Spelling Bee Competition
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