Good evening to everyone here today.
A lot has been said, and many words have been spelt correctly. Let me begin by congratulating everyone who has participated in this year’s competition, and especially the winners of the day.
As I walked in, I noticed a phrase on the backdrop: “Words change the world.” And as I sat down, I found myself reflecting on that truth, because indeed, words do change the world.
Looking at these learners, I can see how words are already transforming their lives through the communication skills they’ve built, the confidence they’ve gained, and the knowledge they’ve accumulated as they prepared for this competition. Some of the words they spelt today, I must confess—I had never even heard of them before! But that’s the beauty of learning: through curiosity and persistence, we expand our world.
Beyond communication, the spellers are also building resilience, the ability to stay calm under pressure, to think clearly, and to keep going even when things get hard. These are life skills that will serve them for years to come.
I want to thank the teachers who have guided and prepared these learners, the judges who have steered the competition with fairness, and the parents and patrons who continue to support the children’s dreams. Everyone who participated today is a winner because you have shown sportsmanship: the courage to compete, the humility to accept outcomes, and the grace to try again. Competitions only make sense when there are winners and those who don’t win, but everyone contributes to its meaning.
A special word of appreciation to enjuba. You are doing excellent work. As the saying goes, “Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” What enjuba is doing, teaching children the power of words and learning at an early age—is planting seeds of greatness.
Sometimes you win, and sometimes you don’t. But even on the days you don’t win, you learn, you grow, and you prepare for tomorrow.
A lot has been said today, and many words have been spelt, so I’ll keep mine brief. I want to register my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made this event possible, the organisers, teachers, judges, media team, mobilisers, and, most importantly, the learners.
This has been a successful event, Not only because we have winners, but because we have seen participation, talent, and teamwork. I am grateful to have been part of it, and I look forward to seeing how this effort continues to grow.
As the winners go forth, may they shine their light brightly, because enjuba means “the sun,” the light that brightens the world. Let them carry that light with them, inspiring others to dream, to learn, and to achieve.
Congratulations to everyone on the 2025 National Spelling Bee.
Thank you very much.
