Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with ₦20 million for winning the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, describing the remarkable feat as another global validation of the state's sustained investment in quality education.
The governor announced the cash reward on Friday at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the championship trophy from the young champion and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education. He said the international triumph underscored the success of his administration's deliberate investment in education, stressing that knowledge remains the greatest legacy any government or parent can give a child.
"We don't play with education in Delta State because it is the greatest legacy anyone can give to a child. Wealth can disappear, but education remains with you throughout your lifetime. That is why we continue to invest heavily in education," Oborevwori said.
He noted that Delta State has continued to distinguish itself in global academic competitions, recalling that members of the Nigerian team that won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year were also from Delta.
"Victory is not a surprise to us in Delta State. Last year, Nigeria, precisely Delta State, won the world debate championship in Doha, and today Master Great Chinedu Okediashi has brought the World Spelling Bee Cup from China to Delta State. It shows that our investment in education is working.
"We are not only building infrastructure in our schools; we are laying a solid educational foundation, and this achievement is one of the results," the governor added.
Oborevwori commended the student's parents for their commitment to nurturing excellence, saying they deserved equal recognition for their son's outstanding achievement. He also praised Madonna International School for its role in grooming the world champion and announced that the state government would provide additional support to the institution in recognition of its contribution to educational excellence.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic milestone for Delta State, Nigeria, and the African continent, noting that the prestigious World Spelling Bee trophy had returned to Africa through the brilliance of a Delta student.
Ashibuogwu attributed the success to years of dedication by the student and the unwavering support of the Oborevwori administration.
"We are here not only to present the trophy but also to appreciate Your Excellency. Your encouragement, constant follow-up, prayers and financial support played a significant role in this success. Today, the trophy is back in Africa, back in Nigeria and now proudly in Delta State," he said.
He also applauded the governor's sustained investment in the education sector, particularly in improving teaching, learning, and academic excellence across public schools in the state.
Presenting the trophy, Master Okediashi thanked Governor Oborevwori for believing in him throughout the competition and pledged to continue making Delta State and Nigeria proud by pursuing greater academic excellence on the global stage.
