Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under the visionary leadership of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Akindele Adunni Opeyemi, officially commenced the preliminary stage of the 2026 Annual Spelling Bee Competition, featuring pupils and students from primary and secondary schools across the LCDA.
The competition attracted participation from 10 secondary schools and four primary schools, providing a platform for young learners to demonstrate spelling proficiency, vocabulary development, pronunciation skills, and confidence.
The preliminary stage is designed to identify outstanding spellers who will advance to subsequent rounds. At the state level, the grand finale will produce a One-Day Governor of Lagos State, continuing a tradition established with the inception of the programme in 2000.
The competition reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting academic excellence, strengthening vocabulary, building learners’ confidence, and reviving the culture of reading.
In furtherance of this commitment, the winner in the Primary School category at the LCDA level will be honoured and decorated as the One-Day Ceremonial Vice Chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA,while on the Secondary School category the overall winner will serve as a Ceremonial One- Day Executive Chairman with the unique opportunity designed to inspire young learners.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman,Hon.
Akindele explained that the initiative was aimed at discovering and celebrating young academic talents, encouraging healthy competition among schools, and preparing pupils and students to compete favourably with their peers beyond the local government.
She paid special tribute to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the New Era Foundation, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, acknowledging her contributions to educational development and the promotion of opportunities for Nigerian children.
She noted that the Spelling Bee Competition, pioneered by the New Era Foundation, has over the years produced exceptional pupils and students who have distinguished themselves at state, national, and international levels. Hon Akindele described the First Lady as a visionary leader and passionate advocate for education.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMPETITION
Primary School Category:
Master Olushola Promise of Abesan Primary School emerged winner, demonstrating outstanding spelling ability and confidence. Musa Jameel of Estate Primary School clinched second position, while Jacob Fortune of Housing Estate Primary School came third.
As overall winner, Master Olushola Promise received a medal, a computer tablet and other incentives, and will serve as the Ceremonial One- Day Vice Chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA. Other winners were also presented with gifts and medals.
Secondary School Category:
Master Odebunmi Ayomide of Abesan Senior High School emerged overall winner, showcasing remarkable vocabulary knowledge and spelling proficiency. As overall winner, he received a medal, a computer tablet and other incentives and would serve as a Ceremonial One – Day Executive Chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA.
Odubowale Diamond of Abesan Junior High School secured second place, while Momoh Favour of Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College clinched third place. Other winners in the category were also presented with medals and gifts.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Hon. Akindele during the program, specially celebrated an icon of dedication and service. According to her ,
“Today is not just our Annual Preliminary Spelling Bee Competition but it is also a day of joy as we celebrate the birthday of our very own Head of Department, Education and Library Services, Mrs. Mojisola Ajileye.
Mrs. Ajileye is a woman of many virtues. She is distinguished by her mien disposition, dedication, commitment, and cheerfulness. A woman of patience, respect for all, intelligence, and uncommon resilience.
She carries herself with humility and honesty, and possesses that never-give-up spirit that inspires everyone around her”.
The Lg Boss in her outpour of praise on Mrs. Ajileye,”Your contributions to educational development in Mosan-Okunola LCDA cannot be overemphasized, from our Back-to-School Packs to the renovation of schools, to the success of our Spelling Bee. You have been at the heart of it.”
On behalf of the entire Executive Council, the Legislative Arm, Management and Staff of Mosan-Okunola LCDA, I celebrate you today.
We pray that God grants you long life, good health, more wisdom, and greater heights.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Ajileye!
Your recognition today adds a celebratory touch to this event and indeed highlights the invaluable contributions of our education officers to academic development within the LCDA.
Please, let us celebrate her!, Adunni in the neighborhood as she is fondly called, loudly announced to all.
DIGNITARIES IN ATTENDANCE
The programme had in attendance distinguished government officials, education administrators, and stakeholders, including:
- Hon. Falade Akintola – Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Education and Library Services
- Hon. Tosin Afuwape Snr. – Leader of the Legislative Arm, and other Honourable Councillors
- Hon. Abdulhameed Ayodele Alawaye – Secretary to the Local Government, leading Supervisors and Special Advisers
- Mr. Joseph Abiodun – Council Manager, leading the Management Team
- Mrs. Adegbore V.O. – Chairperson of the Event
- Mrs. Adegbore Aladejare – Representative of Lagos State Education District I
- Mrs. Adelayo Rashidat – Quiz Master and Com. Omololu – Recorder
In her closing remarks, Hon. Akindele encouraged participants to remain committed to learning, reading, and the pursuit of academic excellence, noting that such competitions help build confidence, discipline, and a strong foundation for future leadership. She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to educational development and the nurturing of future leaders.
Through initiatives such as the Annual Spelling Bee Competition, Mosan-Okunola LCDA continues to demonstrate its dedication to building brilliance, one word at a time.
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