By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated 14-year-old Adeolu Oreofe for emerging as the 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion in the junior category, following the competition held in Harare.
Oreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, defeated contestants from more than 20 African countries to secure the continental title, which includes a $5,000 educational scholarship.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a testament to the value of sustained investment in education, literacy, and youth development.
Tinubu commended the student’s resilience and determination, noting her steady rise through previous competitions despite earlier setbacks. According to the statement, Oreofe finished second at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, placed fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and came second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee before clinching the top prize this year.
The President said the victory brings pride to Nigeria on the continental stage and serves as an inspiration to young people across the country to strive for academic excellence and personal growth.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector by expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths to compete and excel globally, while wishing Oreofe continued success in her future endeavours.
