An eight-year-old pupil, Master Chinemelum Chinonso, has emerged winner of the Orumba Spelling Bee Season 3 competition after defeating contestants from more than 150 schools across Orumba North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.
The Primary Four pupil of Gaius Benton School, Oko, impressed judges with his exceptional spelling skills, confidence, and command of language, earning the overall championship and a cash prize of ₦200,000.
Miss Geoffrey Chinaza, a 10-year-old Primary Six pupil of Pope John Paul Nursery and Primary School, Oko, secured second position and received ₦100,000, while Master Okoye God’s Purpose of Living Spring School, Oko, came third.
Speaking at the grand finale, Founder of the Joseph Onuorah Foundation (JOF), High Chief Joseph Onuorah, said the competition was established to promote literacy, vocabulary development, public speaking confidence, and academic excellence among children aged 7 to 12 years.
He described Chinemelum’s victory as remarkable, noting that the young pupil outperformed older contestants through intelligence, composure, and outstanding academic ability.
The event, held at Ndiowu in Orumba South Local Government Area, attracted parents, teachers, education stakeholders, traditional rulers, and community leaders, who commended the foundation for its continued investment in educational development.
Participants and stakeholders noted that the competition has significantly encouraged reading culture among pupils and inspired many children to pursue academic excellence.
The winners received cash prizes, trophies, certificates, and recognition for their outstanding performance in what organizers described as the largest edition of the competition since its inception.
