Ubong Edet[16 June 2017]
In Calabar the Sweetest Kiddies Company Spelling Competition was concluded with winners emerging with prizes worth five hundred thousand in different categories.
The Mirage Calabar was filled to the brim as Judges, parents, friends, fans, well wishers and sweetest Kiddies competitors moved in cliques to their respective category to compete for the final prizes.
The Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Competition started on the 7th of May, 2017 and lasted for more than two weeks, with an earthquaking Grand Finale held late last month on Children's day.
This event was graced by His Excellency Sen. Prof. Benedict Ayade Governor of Cross River State ably represented by the Commissioner of Education, CRS Barr. Godwin Etta., Pastor Akomaye Ogar, respected parents and friends.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Education, Cross River State, Barr. Godwin we are very delighted here in Cross River State to have this kind of innovation, the first of its kind.
The government of Prof Ayade is not relenting effort in supporting educational programs. We called on meaningful Cross Riverians to support this elegantic innovation.
While declaring the event open the CEO Sweetest Kiddies Company Miss. Nikita Nkese Orok Okon told parents and visitors "this scheme was born out of fervent passion for kids and love for our nation Nigeria. The only way to support our kids and move them forward is to give them education (quality education)".
To all our competitors everybody is a winner being 1st, 2nd or 3rd doesn't make you the best, the best is yet to be born.
After a competition that lasted for six hours, the 6-man panel of judges declared winners in different age categories.
Age 6 – 8: Pearl Koshi Matt-Ekika 3rd position, Francis Odey Ntamu 2nd position, Utibe abasi Sam Okpokowuruk 1st position.
Age 9-11: Daniel Nkwachi Chinazor 3rd position, Samuel Chinonyere Chibuzor 2nd position, Eliel Maurice Ekong 1st position.
Age 12-15: Christopher Effiong Edet 3rd position, Isaac Effiong Essien 2nd position, Offiong Joseph 1st position.
School category: Secondary school – University of Calabar Demonstration International Secondary School 2nd position, Mary Slassor Academy 1st position.
Primary School: Bridge-End International 1st position.
Record carries Nikita Nkese was the Miss Unical 2008, Miss Niger Delta 2010, Aspirant Director of Socials SUG Unical 2011.
Speaking with newsmen, Nikita said "Sweetest Kiddies Company is located at 9b Afokang Lane, Calabar.
Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Competition (SKSC) is an annual event, which will come again sometime during May 2018, in Nigeria May 27 is set aside for children, so we put this competition on the month of May to mark the children's day celebration.
This first edition was sponsored by Niger Mills, Nigeria On-board, Kirk Hierarchy, High Quality Bakery all in Calabar.
SKSC is not Cross River based competition, children Came from other states to compete (Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom) and schools: Great Minds Christian Academy, Uyo registered more than 15 persons and have produced First position for the age 6-8.
"We've seen our lapses and will improve on publicity, extending our sponsorship to governments, meaningful individuals, increasing the winning prizes and lots more in our second edition.
"Registration fee is five thousand naira each competitor and ten thousand naira for each school competing".
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of cash cheques and other prizes to the winners.
Originally published in Negroidhaven.org
