The fifth edition of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee Competition has come to an end with Kate Ene David emerging as the winner. Kate, a student from Intimacy with Christ International School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, won the bee after correctly spelling the word “acquiesce” in the finale. As a result, the 14-year-old champion will become MTN Nigeria CEO for a day, assume leadership of Africa’s largest telecommunication network.
In her opening remarks, the Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, congratulated the top 20 contestants who beat out over 11,000 participants to compete in the spelling bee finale, stating that the initiative presented a platform for them to develop and maximise their potential. “Promoting digital education is one way in which we can encourage people to embrace the digital space and enjoy the benefits and convenience that come with it. This is why MTN mPulse continues to engage with young people through the website, which has vast variety of educational content, enabling them to learn, play and shine.”
Giving her closing remarks, the Chief Human Resource Officer, MTN Nigeria, Esther Akinnukawe commended the finalists for making it to the finals. “Congratulations to Kate for emerging the champion. I want to thank and commend every participant for showing up. Showing up is a winning quality, and I admire your courage in standing in front of the audience to represent yourself, your parent, and your school. We are thrilled to have such a large turnout, and we are more confident to carry on this educative initiative.”
In addition to being MTN Nigeria’s CEO for a day, Kate has been awarded N2.5m scholarship grant, a laptop, smartphone, and an MTN goody bag. MTN will also present a N350,000 grant and state-of-the-art ICT devices to the winner’s English teacher and school respectively.
Sharing her excitement, Kate, who was beaming with smiles said, “I am very excited and grateful to God for giving me the opportunity. The journey has never been easy but I studied a lot.” When asked what to expect from her as MTN CEO for a day, she said, “I think I am more excited to learn about the position on that day.”
Alongside Kate, the first, second and third runners-up, Agbo Divine Capable from Intimacy with Christ International School, Nasarawa State, Okechukwu Rejoice representing Glorious covenant school, Rivers State, and Daniel Ann, a student of Glorious Covenant School Rivers State and other finalists were rewarded with prizes valued at over N5.7m and lots of goody bags.
MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition is one of the many initiatives by MTN Nigeria that help promote digital literacy and academic excellence, empowering the nation’s educational sector.
