Excellent Edwin-Isotu, a talented 13-year-old student from Graduate High School in Port Harcourt, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Junior Category in the Rivers State Spelling Bee Competition.

As a result of his impressive victory, Edwin-Isotu will represent the state in the upcoming national competition, scheduled to take place in Rivers State from July 26 to July 29.

Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the national coordinator of the Nigeria Spelling Bee Competition, highlighted the significance of the event in promoting literacy among Nigerian students and providing them with remarkable opportunities for growth.

He expressed concern over the growing trend of using slang and abbreviations in written communication, attributing it to the influence of social media. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of mastering the English language, particularly for students and young people who play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee Competition aims to showcase the country's top wordsmiths and readers on international platforms. Participants are required to study words from the dictionary rather than being given a predetermined list. Additionally, at the national level, spellers are expected to write essays, further enhancing their language skills.

Ibrahim emphasized that the competition serves as a platform to improve spelling and comprehension, and a study guide has been prepared to assist participants in mastering spelling rules.

The competition also helps participants develop effective communication and public speaking skills, as well as boost their self-esteem.

Evans Kingsley, Edwin-Isotu's tutor, expressed confidence in his student's abilities and expressed optimism that he would bring glory to Rivers State in the national finals and beyond.

The regional stage of the competition witnessed the participation of over 700 students from secondary, primary, and institutional platforms across Rivers State. The winners of the national finals will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes, including a ₦1 million scholarship.

Furthermore, the national champions will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Nigeria at the African Spelling Bee Competition in Ethiopia in November.

Edwin-Isotu's outstanding achievement is a testament to his dedication and talent, and he is poised to make Rivers State proud in the upcoming national competition.