A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Spell Africa International (SAI) has awarded six school children with scholarship funds at the 15th edition of the Spelling Leaders Competition.

The competition, held at the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, was fashioned to serve both pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, respectively.

Among the six awardees was Ebere Angela from Fountain of Wisdom School, Enugu, who emerged as the winner of the Primary category, while Oluebube Chidobi from Rochester Montessori School Lagos, and Victor Chukwu from Kings Kiddies Nursery and Primary School in Lagos emerged first and second runners-up in the primary category.

Aliyah Baruwa from Grace High School in Lagos State was awarded the star prize in the secondary category, while Ajibola Flourish from St Lawrence Metropolitan School Ekiti and Alabi Victor from Model Secondary School, Ondo State emerged first and second runners-up in the secondary category.

Founder of SAI, Gift Akwejevu, said that the initiative was borne out of a passion for educating underdeveloped societies to prevent their involvement in illicit activities.

Explaining the competition, she said that there are two categories for the competition: basic three to six for the primary category and basic eight to senior secondary (SS) two for the secondary category.

The preliminary stage of the competition was held in 26 states, while the finals were held at Chosen International School Lekki, Lagos State.   She explained that the proceeds from the competition are used to sponsor less privileged children on scholarships. Akwejevu urged students to stay focused on their studies, which should be their utmost priority, and leverage opportunities for self-development.