๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ฃ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐, Lagos state
Wife of the executive chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Mrs. Kikelomo Layeni -Jimoh, has urged pupils and students to cultivate the habit of reading, expand their vocabulary and build self-confidence as essential ingredients for academic excellence and personal development.
Mrs. Layeni -Jimoh gave the advice during the 2026 edition of the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA Spelling Bee Competition heldย at the council secretariat on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for primary and secondary schools across the council area.
She emphasised the importance of education in shaping the future of children, encouraging participants and other pupils and students to remain committed to their studies, believe in their abilities and view mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
โEducation is very important in the life of every child. That is why we must encourage our children to read their books, learn new words, and always try their best in their studies. Confidence is another key factor in achieving success,โ she said.
Addressing the contestants, the council chairman’s wife urged them not to be discouraged by challenges or the fear of making mistakes, stressing that self-belief and a willingness to learn were vital to achieving success.
โTo all the children taking part in this competition, as well as those who are not participating, I want you to believe in yourselves, be confident, and do your best. Never be afraid to make mistakes because every mistake is an opportunity to learn,โ Mrs. Layeni -Jimoh added.
The competition was organised as part of the council’s commitment to educational development, with the objectives of promoting literacy, strengthening vocabulary, encouraging a reading culture and identifying and nurturing young talents in the English Language.
Pupils and students representing various primary and secondary schools within Apapa-Iganmu LCDA competed in different rounds designed to test their spelling proficiency, vocabulary and knowledge of the English Language.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, Onaga Favour of Anglican Nursery and Primary School emerged winner in the primary school category, while Mercy Osagie of Army Children Nursery and Primary School came second, and Dunmoye Hameed of Irepodun Nursery and Primary School finished third.
In the secondary school category, Adedayo Abibat of Iganmu Senior High School clinched first position, followed by Ibrahim Hussen of Araromi Senior High School in second place, while Akeem Raji, also of Araromi Senior High School, secured third position.
The winners received prizes presented by Mrs. Layeni -Jimoh in recognition of their outstanding performances.
The awards were intended to reward excellence, motivate the winners to pursue greater academic achievements and inspire other pupils and students to strive for success in their studies.
The event attracted members of the council’s legislative arm, education officials, management staff, teachers and other stakeholders committed to advancing education within the council area.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Adigun Abdullahi Arogundade, Hon. Bolaji Lawal,Hon. Janet Omotayo Amono, Hon. Toibu Adisa, the Education Secretary, Apapa Local Government Area, Mrs. Fausat Olawepo, the Council Manager, Mr. Lateef Omokayode Badmus and others.
Others included the Council’s supervisory team, members of the management team and teachers from participating primary and secondary schools, alongside the pupils and students who represented their respective institutions.
Mrs. Ayanleye Oyindamola of District IV, Sabo, moderated the competition, while Mr. Aremu Kamal served as the timekeeper.
The successful conduct of the competition highlighted the importance of providing platforms for young learners to demonstrate their abilities, develop their communication skills and gain the confidence needed to excel academically and in their future endeavours.