14-Year-Old Ekiti Student Crowned 2026 African Spelling Bee Champion [Junior Category]

In a historic achievement, 14-year-old Adeolu Oluwadamilola Ooreofe from Ekiti has been crowned the champion of the 2026 African Spelling Bee junior category held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Damilola a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College in Ado Ekiti, outclassed competitors from over twenty African nations to secure her place as an African Champion

The talented speller began her journey by winning first place in Ekiti State, followed by a second-place finish at the national level in Port Harcourt, ultimately leading to her crowning as the champion in the junior category of the competition.

Damilola faced tough competition from bright young spellers from countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Malawi, among others, to eventually emerged as the champion of the prestigious event.

As a reward for her outstanding and exceptional performance, Damilola also received an educational scholarship of five thousand dollars along with an award plaque.

Before this remarkable achievement, she had already garnered several academic accolades, including second place in the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee, second place in the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, fifth place in the 2025 Africa Spelling Bee, and second place in the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee.

It’s worth noting that Damilola was coached by a renowned and award-winning tutor Mr. Gbenga Julius, who has also been recognized for mentoring another 14-year-old speller from Ekiti who was recently crowned the overall champion at the Nigeria MTN Mpluse Spelling Bee competition.

Prior to this laudable feat, Damilola is set to represent Africa at the World Spelling Bee in China later this year.

As news of her victory spreads, there are increasing calls for both the Ekiti State and Federal Government to formally acknowledge her exceptional achievement.

Her coach has also urged the government to recognize this accomplishment as not just a personal victory for Damilola, but as a moment of national pride that highlights the potential of Ekiti and Nigeria in international educational arenas.

Observers also believe Damilola’s success sends a strong message about the capabilities of Nigerian students when provided with adequate educational resources and support, serving as an inspiration for countless young learners across the nation.See more, details. .