The Sam Igbe Foundation hosted its Second Annual Spelling Bee competition on the 28th and 30th of June 2017 at the D' Gallery Event Center, Benin City, Edo state. The spelling bee was targeted at junior secondary school students in public schools.

The foundation sent invitation letters to the various public schools and their principals. There were 28 students from 9 schools including Imueguero College Junior Secondary, Oredo girls secondary school Junior Sec, Edo College, Akensua Secondary School, New Era Secondary School, Western Boys high school, Asoro Grammar School and Iyoba Secondary School, Saint Maria Goretti.

The 2nd annual spelling bee was W.O.N.D.R.O.U.S. I think we all caught the spelling bug. The selected students represented their schools tremendously well. It was a reverting competition that showed dedication not only on the part of the students but their schools as well. At the end of the semi-finale the participants had been narrowed down to 6 finalists. The special guest, Her Excellency, Mrs Mariam Shaibu, Wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, spoke on the importance of education. She also emphasised her enthusiasm for the spelling bee programme and applauded the schools, the teachers and students for their hard work.

The finalists were from Asoro Grammar School and Edo College. This proved to be a very exciting competition on the final day, Coincidentally both schools were also the finalists at last years SIF Spelling bee. At the end, Osa-Afe Omoruyi from Edo College clenched the first place prize and Ayemien Osagie from Edo College took second place and Okolo Comfort From Asoro Grammar School came third.

At the end of the competition, the first-place winner received N75,000, second place winner received N50,000, and the third place received N30,000. All the students received gifts from the foundation. Various other awards were also given; Former Inspector General of Police(IGP), Solomon Arase, awarded the 1st to 6th winners with cash prices. Individual attendees also gave cash prizes to students.

We would like to thank all our supporters, guests, students and schools for their support. It was a very educative and fun event and we can’t wait to have it again next year. Although it was a very emotional event for students and attendees alike. The students were very excited about the event and everyone is looking forward to next year’s.

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