By Abigail David

Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup held in Shanghai, China, marking a major achievement for the country’s young spellers.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee announced the victory on its official Facebook page on Sunday, congratulating the team on its success at the global competition.

Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, also confirmed that two of its students, Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf, won medals during the tournament.

The four-member Nigerian team comprised Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.

The team qualified for the World Cup through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship, making Nigeria’s first-ever appearance at the international event.

Before the competition, organisers said the students would represent both Nigeria and Africa against top young spellers from around the world.

Oluwadamilola Adeolu earned her place at the World Cup after winning the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe. At the same competition, Abdurrahman Yusuf finished third, while Nigeria placed second overall among participating countries.

The latest victory further strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation in international spelling competitions.

By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

Organisers of the Jalingo Champions League have called for increased government investment in grassroots sports, saying sustained support is essential for youth development, talent discovery and economic growth. The appeal was made during the group stage of the tournament at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Speaking with journalists, the tournament’s Ambassador for Youth Development, Dr. Daniel Buba, said the competition provides young people with opportunities to develop their football talents while discouraging involvement in crime, violence and drug abuse.

Buba commended Governor Agbu Kefas for establishing the Taraba State Sports Commission but urged the government to provide greater financial and institutional support for grassroots sporting competitions. He said stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would expand talent identification programmes and create more opportunities for aspiring athletes.

The tournament organiser, Mr. Jacob, described the Jalingo Champions League as a platform for identifying promising footballers and exposing them to scouts and professional clubs. He appealed to the Taraba State Government to revive Taraba United Football Club, saying a functional state-owned team would provide a pathway for local players to progress into professional football.

Jacob also disclosed that the organisers are seeking partnerships with football academies, clubs and talent scouts to support outstanding players. He urged government agencies, corporate organisations and development partners to sponsor grassroots football initiatives to help nurture future stars.

By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

The management of the Central Mosque in Jalingo, Taraba State, has denied reports alleging that it rejected a donation of a solar power system, describing the claims as inaccurate and urging the public to verify information before sharing it.

Speaking with journalists, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Imam Muhyiddeen Nuru, said the issue arose from a telephone conversation with an individual who expressed interest in facilitating the installation of a solar power system.

According to the Chief Imam, he explained that the proposed system would not meet the electricity needs of the mosque because of its size and large congregation. He said he suggested that the system would be more suitable for a smaller mosque but did not reject the offer of support.”

Our position was misunderstood. The Central Mosque has not rejected any offer of assistance from any individual, organisation or government. Every genuine contribution towards the development of the mosque is appreciated,” Imam Nuru said. He expressed concern over the spread of unverified information on social media, warning that misinformation could create unnecessary tension and undermine peaceful coexistence.

Imam Nuru added that the mosque, which has received support from governments, philanthropists and members of the public over the years, remains open to legitimate partnerships for its development and maintenance.The mosque management urged journalists and members of the public to verify sensitive information through official channels before publication to promote responsible communication and public trust.