Rita Enemuru, Reporting
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with N20 million for emerging winner of the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, describing the achievement as evidence that the state’s sustained investment in education is producing outstanding results.
The governor announced the cash reward on Friday while receiving the championship trophy from the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori said the global triumph underscored Delta State’s commitment to educational excellence, noting that education remained the greatest legacy that parents and governments could leave for future generations.
“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 added that Delta State’s success on the global academic stage had become a consistent pattern, recalling that students from the state formed part of the Nigerian 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 said.
The governor also commended the student’s parents for their role in his success, expressing disappointment that they were unable to attend the presentation ceremony.
According to him, they deserved equal recognition for nurturing a child who had brought international honour to the state and the country.
Oborevwori further praised Madonna International School for providing quality education and announced that, in addition to the N20 million cash reward for the champion, the Delta State Government would also provide support to the school.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and the African continent.
He noted that the championship marked the return of the prestigious World Spelling Bee trophy to Africa, attributing the success to the student’s determination and the unwavering support of the Delta State Government.
Ashibuogwu said the governor’s financial and moral support throughout the competition inspired the team to persevere until they 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.
The commissioner also applauded the Oborevwori administration for its significant investments in education, particularly in improving teaching and learning across public schools in the state.
Presenting the championship trophy to the governor, Master Great Chinedu Okediashi expressed appreciation for the state’s support and pledged to continue working hard to bring more honours and international recognition to Delta State and Nigeria.
