Nigeria has been awarded the honour of hosting the prestigious 7th African Spelling Bee competition, scheduled to take place in December, as announced by Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of Nigeria Spelling Bee, in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
Expressing pride in Nigeria’s longstanding tradition of spelling excellence and its unwavering dedication to nurturing young linguistic talents, Ibrahim highlighted that Nigeria’s selection as the host country underscores its steadfast commitment to promoting education and culture on the continent.
The primary objective of the competition, as elucidated by Ibrahim, is to foster literacy among students and incentivize learning through the provision of remarkable prizes and scholarship grants.
He emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Education has entrusted them with the responsibility of showcasing Nigeria’s finest linguistic talents during the event.
In preparation for the competition, the association has developed a comprehensive study guide aimed at assisting participants in mastering spelling rules and enhancing their proficiency as spellers, Ibrahim revealed.
He further emphasized the pivotal role of spelling mastery in facilitating the development of communication and public speaking skills, while also bolstering students’ self-esteem.
Describing the African Spelling Bee as a prestigious international platform that unites champions from participating countries across the continent, Ibrahim noted that previous editions have been hosted in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi, among others.
Anticipation is high for the forthcoming event in Abuja, with more than 23 African countries expected to participate in the 7th edition of the competition, according to NAN reports. Ibrahim remarked that the diverse array of participating nations promises to transform the event into a melting pot of linguistic talent and cultural diversity.
Furthermore, Ibrahim emphasized that the competition serves as an opportune moment to celebrate the linguistic prowess of African youths and showcase their rich cultural heritage on an international stage.
The announcement of Nigeria’s hosting of the 7th African Spelling Bee competition signifies not only a testament to the country’s commitment to educational advancement but also a celebration of linguistic excellence and cultural diversity across the African continent.
(NAN)