Spelling bee winner visits N’Assembly, key leaders in Abuja

A pupil of My Dream Stead School, Ajegunle, Lagos, Precious Ochulor, has visited the National Assembly in Abuja after winning the maiden internal spelling bee competition organised by her school.

According to a statement released on Monday by the proprietor of My Dream Stead School, Isaac Omoyele, Ochulor, who emerged as the Senior Perfect and spelling bee champion, earned an all-expenses-paid educational trip to the Federal Capital Territory last week as a reward for her feat.

The experience took the pupil beyond the classroom, allowing her to visit some of Nigeria’s important institutions and meet prominent personalities.

At the National Assembly, Ochulor was received by the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, who encouraged her to remain committed to her education and see the achievement as the beginning of greater possibilities.

The trip also took Ochulor to the Police Service Commission, where she was received by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner II at the commission, Taiwo Lakanu.

She was introduced to the mandate, structure and responsibilities of the agency, gaining practical insight into its role in Nigeria’s policing architecture.

Speaking about the experience after returning to Lagos on Monday, Ochulor said the trip helped her understand how important institutions in the country operate.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn outside the classroom and understand how important institutions in Nigeria work,” she said.

“Meeting these important personalities and visiting these places has taught me so much. I am grateful to My Dream Stead School for investing in me and giving me this opportunity. I will always remember this experience.”

Beyond government institutions, Ochulor’s itinerary included visits to the Art and Craft Market, Abuja City Gate, an Internally Displaced Persons camp and Ceddi Plaza, among other locations.

The visits exposed her to the cultural, social and economic dimensions of Abuja beyond its status as Nigeria’s seat of government.

The proprietor of My Dream Stead School, Omoyele, said the initiative was designed to expose pupils to possibilities beyond their immediate environment.

“Our belief is that every child deserves an opportunity to see what is possible beyond their immediate environment,” Omoyele said.

“Precious’ journey to Abuja was not simply a reward for winning a spelling competition. It was designed to expose her to possibilities, broaden her perspective and inspire her to dream bigger.”

He added that a child from Ajegunle being able to sit in the National Assembly and engage with people contributing to Nigeria’s development could change the way the child viewed the world.

The educational trip also received support from Luxuriate Travels and Tours, Hadassahs Dream Events and House 575, whose contributions the school said underscored the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young learners.