In a celebratory close to its flagship educational initiative, the Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation (VTBF) held a strategic meeting with Lagos State education officials, marking the finale of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition for secondary schools. Hosted by TR. Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, Tutor-General, Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Falomo, Ikoyi, the event not only crowned three standout students but also underscored the foundation’s commitment to fostering literacy and academic excellence amid growing calls for broader outreach.
At the heart of the competition’s success were three brilliant participants whose spelling prowess secured them life-changing rewards. Jonathan Orim from Olomu Community Senior Secondary School clinched first place, walking away with ₦1 million and a full scholarship to any state or federal university in Nigeria. Second place went to Oshodi Zariat of Lagos State Model College, Badore, who received ₦500,000 alongside the scholarship opportunity. Rounding out the podium was Alice Opeh from Victoria Island Senior Secondary School in third, awarded ₦200,000 and the same educational lifeline. In total, the prizes amounted to ₦1.7 million in cash, disbursed directly to the beneficiaries immediately following the meeting.
The Tutor-General, TR. Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, while welcoming the delegation, extended the warm felicitations of Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CON. He further commended the Foundation for its impactful effort in promoting education through the Spelling Bee project. Highlighting the competition’s role in inspiring young minds, the Tutor General urged the foundation to scale up future editions to encompass additional districts across Lagos State. He also advocated for recognizing the unsung heroes behind the scenes: “Encouragement should be extended to the teachers as well for their tireless efforts in grooming these kids.”
In response, the Director of the foundation, Mr. Kenson Kenneth Briggs expressed profound gratitude for the district’s partnership, crediting it with unlocking doors for seamless collaboration. On behalf of the foundation’s President, Hon. Victor Tubotamuno Briggs; who was regrettably absent due to overseeing the foundation’s ongoing Back-2-Back School Project in Rivers State, the Director reaffirmed the organization’s growth mindset. “Our mode of operation is to always start small and go big, taking lessons learned and implementing them in subsequent programs,” he stated. Mr. Briggs pledged to expand the Spelling Bee’s reach in coming years and assured that scholarships would remain a cornerstone reward for future winners.
Ms. Alero Okiki, the project’s team lead, beamed with pride over the competition’s successful execution, praised to the high heavens the outstanding performance of the children, whom she described as “been truly embodied with the spirit of excellence.”
The VTBF’s team was led by the Director of Projects & Operations, Mr. Kenson Kenneth Briggs, the Lagos Liaison Manager, Mr. Kelly Egba, the Media & Events Manager, Mr. Ubi Emmanuel, and the Spelling Bee Project Team Leader, Ms. Alero Shirly Okiki. Teachers from the winning schools and proud parents of the young champions were also in attendance, creating an atmosphere of shared triumph and forward-looking collaboration.
The Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation, known for its multifaceted interventions in education and youth empowerment, has positioned the Spelling Bee as a beacon for literacy skills and cognitive development. Initiatives like this not only reward talent but also ignite a ripple effect of inspiration among thousands of students. With promises of expansion on the horizon, stakeholders anticipate an even more inclusive 2026 edition that could redefine spelling bees across Nigeria.
VTBF Media Report
October 31, 2025.
