Sokoto: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, has urged students to improve their spelling and pronunciation skills. Ajose made this call during the closing ceremony of a Spelling Bee competition organized by the Army Chaplain, Lt. Col. Patrick Orji, in Sokoto.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ajose emphasized the commitment of Nigerian Army schools and institutions in promoting unity among communities in the country. He highlighted that the competition represents the army's dedication to fostering uniqueness and unity across different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The event saw students, parents, and community members gathering to celebrate the children's performances.
Ajose stressed the importance of learning proper spelling and pronunciation, noting that these skills are crucial for students as they advance in their academic and professional careers. He also commended Lt. Col. Orji for sponsoring the competition and investing in the educational development of children, stating that such investment would aid their future success.
Lt. Col. Orji, the competition's sponsor, acknowledged the historical inadequacies in children's education programs. He explained that the competition aimed to address this by encouraging early development in spelling and pronunciation. Orji praised the participants for their impressive performances, expressing optimism about their potential. He encouraged children to pursue their dreams confidently and be open to self-improvement.
Orji further noted that the exercise allowed school children to appreciate the significance of acquiring spelling and pronunciation skills early. He mentioned that the competition was part of his 25th anniversary celebration in the parish.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that around 100 students participated in the two-month-long competition, which involved multiple phases and rounds across various schools. John Terse emerged as the overall winner, followed by Jennifer Sunday in second place, while Fatima Muttaqa and Gertrude Azeh tied for third.
Consolation prizes were awarded to the top 10 performers, with the GOC sponsoring the annual school fees for the first-place winner, including uniforms, a school bag, shoes, and an additional cash award of N100,000. The second-place student received two terms' worth of school fees, along with school supplies and N50,000. The third-place winner was awarded a term's school fees, school supplies, and N35,000. Additionally, the GOC awarded N20,000 each to the remaining top-performing students, alongside school uniforms.