By Ahmed Liman kingimi, Maiduguri
A visually impaired student stole the show and moved an entire hall to its feet as Nguru Local Government Area made history by sweeping all top prizes at the 3rd Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition on Wednesday .
The grand finale, held in the Yobe State capital, In Government girl’s college Damaturu at the NEDC multipurpose hall , brought together 146 students from public and private schools across all 17 LGAs, in what officials described as the most inclusive edition of the annual literacy contest yet.“Excellence Knows No Barriers”
The defining moment came when Asiya Alhaji Isa, a blind student, took the stage and outperformed dozens of competitors with confidence and composure.
Her extraordinary performance drew an immediate and emotional response. Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, and the entire audience rose for a powerful standing ovation.
“She reminded us that excellence knows no barriers,” Dr. Goje said during his closing remarks. “Her courage, confidence, determination, and remarkable performance was a truly unforgettable moment at the 3rd Yobe Spelling Bee Competition.”
Nguru LGA dominated the podium, producing the winner and both runners-up:
Winner, Zainab Mohammed Grema, Reading Model School, Nguru LGA
1st Runner-Up Mohammed Ishaq Madaki, Government Day Junior Secondary School, Nguru LGA
2nd Runner-Up Aisha Mohammed Alah, Honesty Secondary School, Nguru LGA
Dr. Goje, who spoke on behalf of Governor Mai Mala Buni, hailed the result as evidence of talent and preparation in the LGA, and of the competition’s growing impact statewide.
The SSG said the competition was designed to give every child, regardless of background or school type, a fair chance to compete.
“The idea behind Yobe Spelling Bee 3.0 was that every child in Yobe should have equal opportunity to participate and compete. There were suggestions to separate public and private schools, but we agreed that no child chooses their parents, and no child chooses the school their parents can afford,” he stated.
He pledged that future editions would be even larger.
“God willing, Yobe Spelling Bee 4.0 and beyond will be even bigger and better than this.”
Dr. Goje linked the success of the event to improved security in the state, thanking Governor Buni, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders.
“A few years ago, we could not come to a place like this. This place was inaccessible. But today, because of the peace they have ensured, our children can go to school peacefully, return home safely, and compete favorably with one another,”
In a surprise announcement, Dr. Goje said the two volunteer teachers who mentored the overall winner will receive automatic employment into the state civil service.
“I am pleased to announce that the two volunteer teachers who produced the successful candidate will receive automatic employment,” he declared.
He also assured that the state government would cover medical costs for any participant with health challenges.
“No inmate will be abandoned on account of health. Government will provide full medical care for the inmate in need, and we will work with any hospital that can offer treatment until he is well,” Dr. Goje said.
Describing the Spelling Bee as a test of character, the SSG said the event proved the resilience of Yobe’s young people.
“This competition has proven that our children are not just capable, they are exceptional. Literacy is not just about reading and writing, it is about confidence, discipline, resilience, and the courage to stand before a crowd and say ‘I know this, and I am not afraid to prove it.’ Every single participant here is a winner,” he said.
He thanked judges, donors, teachers, the media and the organizing committee for making the event a success.
Launched by the Yobe State Government, the annual Spelling Bee aims to promote literacy, critical thinking and healthy competition among primary and junior secondary students across the state.
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