The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, was on Sunday, 23 November 2025, represented at the inaugural edition of the Spelling Bee Competition for Junior Secondary Schools, organized by the Fahan Foundation at Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School, Makurdi.
The Governor’s Private Secretary and Principal Special Assistant on ICT & New Media, Comrade Angula Bishop Reuben, stood in for the Governor at the event, which brought together young learners from both public and private institutions across the state.
The competition, pioneered by the Fahan Foundation under the leadership of Mrs. Fayum Hanmation, aims to provide students in Basic and Post-Basic schools with a platform to test and showcase their spelling abilities beyond the traditional classroom environment.
Delivering the Governor’s message, Comrade Angula conveyed warm greetings and commendations to the participants and winners, describing them as “leaders and ambassadors of tomorrow.” He encouraged the students to remain diligent in their studies and committed to nurturing their talents.
Governor Alia also expressed appreciation to the organisers and teachers for their dedication to educational excellence. According to the representative, the Governor graciously sponsored the competition through the Fahan Foundation.
The overall prize winner later received an award presented on behalf of the Governor by Comrade Angula Bishop Reuben. The representative of the Speaker presented the second-place award, while Mr. Jonathan Ayantse presented the third-place prize.
Dignitaries at the event included Dr. Terna Francis, the pioneer Executive Secretary of the newly established Benue Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board, rep of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the rep of the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, amongst others.
The organisers described the maiden edition as a success and expressed hope that the competition would continue to inspire academic excellence among young learners across Benue State.
