Oborevwori Rewards Delta Student With N20m for Winning World Spelling Bee in China

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with N20 million for winning the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, describing the feat as proof that the state’s investment in education is paying off.

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

‎Oborevwori said the global victory reaffirmed Delta’s commitment to education, stressing that education remains the greatest legacy governments and parents can bequeath to 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,” he said.

‎He noted that Delta had consistently excelled in international academic competitions, recalling that the state produced members 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.

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“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 and expressed disappointment that they were not present at the ceremony, saying they deserved equal recognition. He also praised Madonna International School for providing quality education and announced that the state government would extend support to the school in addition to the N20 million reward for the student.

‎Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic achievement for Delta, Nigeria and Africa.

‎He said the triumph marked the return of the prestigious trophy to Africa, noting that the success was the result of years of determination and consistent support from the state government.

“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,” Ashibuogwu said.

He also commended the governor for massive investments in the education sector, particularly in improving teaching and learning across public schools.

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‎Presenting the trophy to the governor, Master Okediashi thanked him for the support and pledged to continue working hard to bring more honours and international recognition to Delta State and Nigeria.