By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, CON, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming the education sector, as he declared open the third edition of the Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition in Damaturu.
The competition, held at the NEDC Hall, Government Girls’ College, Damaturu, brought together talented students from across the state in a celebration of academic excellence, literacy and intellectual development.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, Wazirin Fune, Governor Buni described the Spelling Bee as a cherished tradition that reflects the collective determination of the government, educators, parents and other stakeholders to promote learning and raise a generation of confident and academically sound young people.
He said education has remained one of the top priorities of his administration since its inception, noting that the government has continued to devote substantial resources to the sector through the renovation of existing schools, construction of new mega schools and implementation of various educational interventions across the state.
According to Governor Buni, the sustained investment is beginning to produce remarkable results, pointing to the emergence of three Yobe students as winners in different categories of the TeenEagle International Competition held in the United Kingdom over the past three years.
He said such achievements demonstrate the potential of Yobe students when provided with the right opportunities, quality teaching and a supportive learning environment.
Governor Buni commended teachers, coaches and education administrators for their dedication and sacrifices, assuring them that their efforts in shaping the future of the state would not be in vain.
He also recognised the important role of parents and guardians in the educational development of children, describing them as the first teachers whose discipline, values and encouragement significantly influence the attitude and performance of their children.
The Governor announced cash rewards for the winners of the competition, members of the judging panel and a child with special needs, as part of efforts to encourage academic excellence and inclusiveness.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Associate Professor Abba Idris Adam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Muhammad Hadi, said the Spelling Bee was designed to promote literacy, improve students’ spelling abilities, expand vocabulary, enhance conceptual understanding and encourage effective use of the English language.
He commended the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Abubakar K. Zaid, for creating a platform that promotes academic excellence, strengthens literacy skills, encourages educational resilience and facilitates peer learning among talented students from across the state.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the sponsors and partners—including Nigeria Food Corporation, Greyland Multi-Investment Ltd., Damuli Investment Ltd., Samsung Construction Ltd., Elegance Construction Ltd. and ADAF MBL Nigeria Ltd.—expressed their support for the initiative and pledged continued partnership towards sustaining and expanding the competition.
The third edition of the Yobe Spelling Bee once again provided a platform for students to demonstrate their intellectual abilities while promoting a culture of reading, learning, healthy competition and academic excellence.
The event underscored the commitment of the Yobe State Government and its partners to investing in the intellectual capital of young people as a pathway to building a more educated, skilled and prosperous future for the state.
