Ekiti Stars Shine Bright: Young Spelling Champions Garner Continental and National Acclaim
The Ekiti State Government is celebrating a remarkable wave of academic achievement, spearheaded by two exceptionally talented young women who have brought honour to the state and the nation on the continental and national stages. The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, has extended heartfelt congratulations to 14-year-old Oluwadamilola Adeolu for her triumphant victory at the 2026 African Spelling Bee (Junior Category).
Adeolu’s inspiring journey to becoming the African champion began with a dominant performance, securing first place in the Ekiti State qualifiers. This initial success paved the way for her participation in the national finals held in Port Harcourt, where she clinched a commendable second position. Her outstanding performance at the continental level has not only earned her significant recognition but also a substantial $5,000 educational scholarship. Furthermore, this remarkable feat has opened the door for Adeolu to represent the entire African continent at the upcoming World Spelling Bee competition in China, a testament to her extraordinary linguistic prowess.
The news of Adeolu’s continental triumph follows her recent return from Harare, Zimbabwe, where she was crowned the African champion. Back home in Ekiti State, St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, where Adeolu is a student, enthusiastically celebrated her achievement. The school erupted in joyous festivities, rolling out the drums to acknowledge their star student’s groundbreaking accomplishment.
In parallel, the Ekiti State Government has also lauded another 14-year-old prodigy, Miss Oreoluwa Alayande, for her impressive win in the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition. This national victory further underscores the exceptional talent emerging from Ekiti State.
Earlier in the month, both St Lawrence Metropolitan College and MTN had jointly celebrated Alayande’s triumph in the 2025 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee. Her victory was equally rewarding, securing her an educational scholarship, a significant digital upgrade for her school, and a unique opportunity to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of MTN for a day. This experience provided invaluable exposure to leadership and the corporate world.
Commissioner Olatunbosun emphasized that these twin achievements serve as powerful reinforcement of Ekiti State’s growing reputation as a nexus of educational excellence. He stated, “Miss Adeolu and Miss Alayande, who coincidentally attend the same esteemed institution, St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, have bestowed immense pride and honour not only upon Ekiti State but upon Nigeria as a whole.”
The Commissioner took the opportunity to commend the leadership and staff of St Lawrence Metropolitan College for their unwavering dedication to fostering academic excellence. He also extended his appreciation to the parents and guardians of these accomplished students for their steadfast support and commitment, which have been instrumental in nurturing their children’s potential.
Olatunbosun urged other students across Ekiti State to draw inspiration from the remarkable successes of Adeolu and Alayande. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to diligence, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence in all their academic endeavours.
The state government, he reiterated, is firmly committed to bolstering the education sector. This commitment translates into sustained investment in critical areas such as infrastructure development, comprehensive teacher training and professional development, the integration of digital learning tools, and the implementation of student-centric initiatives designed to enhance learning outcomes and opportunities.
The proprietor of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Lawrence Oluwafemi, attributed the remarkable successes achieved by his students to a potent combination of hard work, unwavering determination, and divine grace. He also made a heartfelt appeal for greater governmental recognition and support for outstanding students who consistently demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
The accomplishments of Oluwadamilola Adeolu and Oreoluwa Alayande represent more than just individual victories; they are beacons of inspiration, showcasing the immense potential that lies within the youth of Ekiti State and Nigeria, and highlighting the vital role of education in shaping a brighter future.
