Miss Amazing-Grace Salami, an 11-year-old student from Greenspill International School, Abuja, has emerged as the champion of the inaugural Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN), defeating 63 other finalists from the United States and international schools in Nigeria to claim the top prize.
The Acting U.S. Consul General, Ms. JoEllen Gorg, announced Salami’s victory at the Grand Finale of the 2025 SpIN competition, held in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday. The event, affiliated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, marked Nigeria’s first participation in the globally recognized spelling contest, which has been running since 1925.
The competition began in August 2024, featuring 200 students from 15 schools across Nigeria. This year’s edition coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Miss Ifeoluwapo Okuboyejo was named the second runner-up, while Miss Naomi Ociuco took third place.
As the champion, Salami will represent Nigeria on the global stage at the centennial edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. She will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the U.S., along with $500 spending money, an engraved trophy, Indomie products, a gold medal, and a one-year Merriam-Webster dictionary subscription worth $10,000.
The second and third runners-up will also be rewarded with Indomie products, $100 in spending money, silver and bronze medals, citations, and invitations to attend the U.S. centenary event. They will receive automatic entry into the semi-finals of the next edition, a citation of recognition, and a novel worth ₦20,000.
Ms. Gorg welcomed Nigeria’s participation in the international competition, highlighting the significance of spelling as a fundamental skill for young learners.
“This competition has celebrated 100 years of spelling excellence in the U.S., and we are honored to welcome Nigeria. Today, 64 outstanding finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States competed for the prestigious title of Nigeria’s first SpIN champion,” she said.
She also noted that three additional finalists would join Salami as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the U.S., ensuring ongoing participation and inspiring future generations.
Gorg praised the young spellers, expressing confidence that their knowledge would open doors to greater achievements, including future studies in the United States. She also found inspiration in Salami’s name, Amazing-Grace, saying it symbolized unity, peace, and prosperity between Nigeria and the U.S.
The event’s convener, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, commended the contestants for their mastery of English language fundamentals, emphasizing that their skills in analyzing word structures, recalling roots, and understanding linguistic origins would serve them beyond competitions.
Ms. Corrie Loeffler, Executive Director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlighted the competition’s impact in fostering a love for learning and healthy competition. She thanked supporters, educators, and organizations for their role in nurturing young minds.
Mrs. Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council in Nigeria, celebrated the finalists’ achievements, emphasizing the importance of investing in young leaders who will shape the future.
Mr. Femi Adenekan, District Governor of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to education and literacy, stating that supporting academic initiatives would help build a more educated and empowered society.
Mrs. Kemi Salami, the champion’s mother, described her daughter as a hardworking and determined child who balanced her preparation for the competition alongside her school exams.
In her victory speech, Amazing-Grace Salami expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to make Nigeria proud at the global competition in the United States.
“I am honored to have this opportunity, and I promise to work even harder to represent Nigeria well,” she said.
