Foundation Vows to Promote Academic Excellence with Spelling Bee Competition in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Joseph Onourah Foundation, a humanitarian organization has reiterated its commitment to promoting academic excellence with its annual Spelling Bee Competition for all public and private school students in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

According to the foundation, the competition instituted in 2024 was designed to promote educational excellence, healthy academic rivalry, good reading habits and public speaking proficiency in the above mentioned council areas.

Founder, Dr. Joseph Chimezie Onuorah who made the declaration during the grand finale of the long-weeks competition held at Ndiowu Civic center, Orumba North council area, stressed that the competition was organized to encourage healthy competition among pupils in the two council areas.

He said the edition was the second season of the Orumba Spelling Bee Competition.

He said, “We have so much young talents battling for glory today and it is always refreshing and inspiring. I have no doubt in my mind that na: Oga akpotu akpotu ta!

“Today, we are here to witness some real brainwork. Forget the Premier League—this is the real Champions League of spelling.

“If you can spell “conscientious” correctly under pressure, you deserve national honour.

“To all the students here, you have done very well. You have made it to the finals, and that alone is a big achievement.

“Whether you win first prize or smallest envelope, the important thing is that you showed up, you aspired, you learned, and you tried your best.

“And as we say in Igbo land, onye kwe, chi ya ekwe — Ndi afuru na ahia ka Ana agwa okwu. if you believe in yourself, your spirit will agree with you.

“In the words of the famous French scientists; In the field of experiment , chance Favour’s the prepared minds.

“What you are doing today is part of your preparation and there is no doubt that all of want to succeed and I am very confident that you will succeed.

“To our teachers and mentors—I wil kindly urge everyone to clap for them! You are the real heroes. Without you, these children may spell “pencil’’ as “pensuu”.

“Your patience, your encouragement, and your sleepless nights have brought us here.

“This spelling bee is not just about big big words. It’s really about building confidence, opening minds, and teaching our children that they can compete with anyone, anywhere.

“From Orumba to Oxford, the talent displayed here can be replicated at any other stage in the world!

“So children, as you go up to spell your words, don’t be afraid. Stand tall. Speak loud.

“And even if you miss one letter, no problems —just smile and try again next time. Because in life, sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.

“I’m proud of each and every one of you. Orumba is proud of you. Nigeria is watching. I will like you to show them that we love education in this part of the world!

“Today, we are raising the future Alex Ekwuemes, The future Abiliketes, The future Humphrey Nwosus and other legends who have placed the name of Orumba in the global map.

“For us as a foundation – we will continue to stand by all of you to the last extent of our resources. Your success in life is our oxygen. The very reason why we exist.”

Onuorah commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chairman, Orumba North Council Area, Barr. Casmir Nwafor, Revd Canon Divine Abalogu; teàm of supervisory councillors of Orumba North council area, educational officers and inspectors of Orumba North/Orumba South LGA, teachers, parents and students for making the event a huge success.

Project Manager of the Foundation, Mr Victor Owuh, said 20 schools across the two Council Areas participated in the second edition of the programme.

He explained that the programme was a competition contestants were asked to spell a broad selection of words for their educational level with varying degrees of difficulty.

He noted that Joseph Onuorah Foundation has been doing a lot of things to ameliorate the suffering of the less privileged in the two council areas, the State and Nigeria at large.

Mayor of Orumba North, Capt Barr Casmir Nwafor who was the special guest of honour, in a heartwarming show of leadership and passion for educational progress said the event perfectly aligns with Soludo and his council transformative vision under the Orumba North Solution Drive.

“A people-focused agenda driving development in education, health, agriculture, youth empowerment, and community growth across Orumba North,” he added.

Nwafor praised Joseph Onuorah Foundation for its dedication to youth development and academic excellence.

He lauded the organizers for creating a meaningful platform that sharpens the minds of Orumba’s children and fosters a strong educational culture.

“The future of Orumba North lies in the hands of our young people. By investing in their education today, we are building a stronger, more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.

The Council boss urged parents, leaders, business owners, and stakeholders across Ndi Orumba North to increase their investment and support for educational initiatives, stressing that the advancement of the region depends on the intellectual and moral growth of its youth.

He also commended the participants, expressing admiration for their resilience and brilliance, while encouraging them to continue seeing education as the key to success, fulfillment, and national growth.

He assured the audience that Orumba North remains firmly aligned with Governor Soludo’s vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.

The Joseph Onuorah Foundation was widely praised for its commitment to educational excellence, proving once again that public-private partnerships can shape a brighter future for the next generation.

With Mayor Nwafor at the helm, Orumba North is on a path of dynamic, youth-focused, and impactful leadership.

The Mayor was accompanied by the supervisory councilors for Agriculture (Hon Emezie Nwangene) and that of Education, the area Education Inspectors of Orumba North and South LGAs.