Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with N20 million for winning the prestigious World Spelling Bee Championship in China, declaring that the feat validates his administration’s sustained investment in education.
The governor announced the cash reward on Friday at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the championship trophy from the student alongside officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Oborevwori described the global triumph as another milestone for Delta State, insisting that education remains the greatest legacy any government or parent can bequeath to 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,” the governor said.
He noted that Delta State had continued to dominate international academic competitions, recalling that students from the state formed the core of Nigeria’s team that won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year.
“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,” he added.
The governor also commended the student’s parents for their role in nurturing his academic excellence, expressing regret that they were absent from the ceremony and deserved equal recognition for their son’s outstanding achievement.
Oborevwori further praised Madonna International School for its commitment to quality education, announcing that the state government would extend support to the institution in addition to the N20 million cash award presented to the champion.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a landmark achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and the African continent.
According to him, the championship trophy has returned to Africa through the determination of the Delta-born student, attributing the success to years of hard work and the unwavering support of the state government.
Ashibuogwu said the governor’s financial assistance, encouragement, constant follow-up and prayers throughout the competition inspired the team to persevere until it emerged victorious in China.
“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 lauded the governor for his administration’s continued investment in the education sector, particularly in strengthening teaching and learning across public schools.
Presenting the championship trophy to the governor, Master Okediashi expressed gratitude for the support he received from the Delta State Government and pledged to continue striving for excellence while bringing more international honours to Delta State and Nigeria.
