15-year-old Ikenna Ikechukwu from Glorious Covenant School, Rivers State, has emerged as the champion of the 2024 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee. His victory in the nationwide competition, which saw over 34,000 students compete, earned him not only the prestigious title but also the unique opportunity to serve as MTN Nigeria’s One-Day CEO.
MTN Nigeria executives and staff gathered to commemorate the momentous occasion, highlighting the company’s commitment to education and digital empowerment. Chief Marketing Officer Onyinye Ikenna Emeka underscored the competition’s impact, stating that the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee is more than just a contest—it is a gateway to opportunity.
“Launched in 2018, this initiative targets highly engaged teens aged 9 to 15, equipping them with skills necessary to excel in today’s fast-evolving world,” Emeka said. She further emphasized that beyond vocabulary and spelling, the competition enhances students’ confidence, public speaking abilities, and digital literacy.
Taking on his role as MTN Nigeria’s One-Day CEO, Ikechukwu expressed deep gratitude for the experience. “Being here as MTN Nigeria’s CEO for a day is a dream come true,” he remarked. “Thank you, MTN, for making this possible. Leading the largest ICT company in Nigeria is beyond what many 15-year-olds envision, but MTN is showing us that anything is possible.”
Reflecting on his journey, Ikechukwu highlighted that his triumph was not just about spelling words but about resilience and learning. “I first attempted the competition in 2022 and didn’t make it. I tried again in 2023 but still didn’t win. That experience taught me perseverance. I knew I had to work harder,” he revealed.
Determined to succeed, he dedicated countless hours to studying thousands of words, often sacrificing other activities to focus on his goal. “Hard work, determination, and prayer made all this possible,” he added.
As his tenure as One-Day CEO concluded, Ikechukwu encouraged his peers to embrace digital learning and seize opportunities to grow. “Go make a difference with MTN data. Use digital resources to learn, innovate, and grow. Leverage technology and never stop learning.”
Beyond this achievement, Ikechukwu aspires to become a software engineer, with the mPulse initiative further strengthening his determination. MTN Nigeria continues to reaffirm its commitment to equipping young minds with essential tools, fostering limitless possibilities through digital empowerment and education.
