Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday rewarded Great Chinedu Okediachi with N20 million for winning the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, saying the feat underscores the impact of the state’s investment in education.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon made available to our correspondent, the governor announced the reward at the Government House in Asaba while receiving the championship trophy from the student alongside officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education.
He also pledged support for Madonna International School, where Okediashi is a student, in recognition of the institution’s contribution to the achievement.
Speaking at the event, Oborevwori said education remained the most valuable legacy parents and governments could give to children, noting that the state’s commitment to the sector was producing results beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“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,” he said.
The governor said the latest victory was another indication of Delta’s growing profile in international academic competitions, recalling that students from the state were part of Nigeria’s winning team at the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year.
“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,” he said
He also praised the student’s parents for their role in his success, saying they deserved recognition for raising a child who had brought honour to the state and the country.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a landmark achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and Africa, noting that the championship trophy had returned to the continent.
Ashibuogwu attributed the success to years of hard work by the student and the support provided by the state government throughout the competition.
“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.
Responding, Okediashi thanked the governor for the honour and pledged to continue striving for academic excellence and bringing more international recognition to Delta State and Nigeria.
The recognition comes days after the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), awarded the young champion a full scholarship covering his university education in recognition of his outstanding achievement at the World Spelling Bee Championship in China.