Banner Online News

By Our Reporter

ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with N20 million for winning the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, declaring that the remarkable feat validates the state’s sustained investment in education.

The governor announced the cash reward while receiving the championship trophy from the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education at Government House, Asaba.

Oborevwori described the global triumph as another milestone that reinforces Delta State’s reputation for academic excellence, stressing that education remains the greatest legacy governments and parents can 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 noted that the latest victory was further proof that the state’s deliberate investments in the education sector were producing outstanding results on the global stage.

According to him, Delta has consistently distinguished itself in international academic competitions, recalling that members of Nigeria’s team that won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year were also from Delta State.

“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 commended the student’s parents for nurturing him into excellence, expressing regret that they were not present at the ceremony, and noted that they deserved equal recognition for their son’s outstanding accomplishment.

He also lauded Madonna International School for providing quality education and announced that, beyond the N20 million reward to the student, the state government would extend support to the school in appreciation of its role in producing the world champion.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and the African continent, noting that the prestigious World Spelling Bee trophy had returned to Africa through the brilliance of the Delta student.

Ashibuogwu attributed the success to years of determination by the student and unwavering support from the Delta State Government, saying the governor’s financial assistance, encouragement, prayers and constant follow-up inspired the team throughout the competition 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 commended the governor for his massive investments in the education sector, particularly in enhancing teaching and learning across public schools in the state.

Presenting the trophy to the governor, Master Okediashi expressed gratitude for the support he received from the state government and pledged to continue striving for excellence and bringing more international honours to Delta State and Nigeria.