The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikechukwu emerged the winner at the grand finale, held at the MTN Plaza Rooftop in Lagos.

NAN also reports that the winner of the competition will receive N5million education fund, a smart phone , Laptop and an opportunity to be one day Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria.

Ikechukwu, in his remarks, appreciated his parents, teachers, school and MTNN for the unique opportunity.

“A special thanks to MTN for this amazing platform that helps student play, learn and shine, this opportunity has been truly life changing,” he said.

Also in her welcome address, the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, MTNN, Ms Obiageri Ugboma, said the 2024 Spelling Bee Competition saw about 40,000 students competition.

Ugboma said that it was inspiring to see the incredible efforts put in place by the 20 finalists to get thus far.

She said that MTN was deeply committed to education and nurturing young talents.

According to her, the Mpuls spelling bee competition reflects the organisation’s belief in empowering young talents.

“Today is not about winning but celebrating efforts, resilience and the role models these students have become for their peers’’.

In his closing remarks, the General Manager, Consumer Segment, MTNN, Mr Idowu Adesola emphasised the organisation’s efforts of nurturing and empowering talents.

NAN also reports that the winner’s prizes also include an equipped ICT lab for his school with 10 laptops and MTN 5G routers and his teacher would receive a cash prize of ₦500,000.

The second and third runners up, Master Ayomide Ibigbemi and Miss Munachimso Opara, received N2 million and N1 million respectively with laptop and Smartphone, while the other 17 contestant received N200,000 educational fund each.

NAN reports that the Mpulse Spelling Bee is an annual event, with 2024 being its 5th anniversary. (NAN)