Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with N20 million for winning the prestigious World Spelling Bee Championship in China, describing the remarkable achievement as clear evidence that the state’s sustained investment in education is delivering global results.
The governor announced the cash reward on at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the championship trophy from the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Commending the young champion for bringing international glory to Delta State and Nigeria, Governor Oborevwori said education remains the greatest legacy any parent or government can give to a child, stressing that unlike material wealth, education is a lifelong asset that cannot be taken away.
“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.
Oborevwori noted that Delta State has consistently excelled in global academic competitions, recalling that students from the state formed part of the Nigerian team that won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year.
He said the latest triumph by Master Okediashi further validates the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through sustained investments in both infrastructure and quality learning.
“Victory is not a surprise to us in Delta State. Last year, Nigeria, precisely Delta State, won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, and today Master Great Chinedu Okediashi has brought the World Spelling Bee Championship trophy 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.
He equally praised Madonna International School for its commitment to quality education and announced that the state government would also provide support to the school in recognition of its contribution to the student’s success.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic accomplishment for Delta State, Nigeria and the African continent, noting that the prestigious championship trophy had returned to Africa through the outstanding performance of the Delta student.
Ashibuogwu attributed the success to years of hard work, determination and the unwavering support of the Delta State Government, particularly Governor Oborevwori’s financial and moral backing throughout the competition.
“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 massive investments in education, especially efforts aimed at improving teaching and learning across public schools in the state.
Presenting the championship trophy, Master Great Chinedu Okediashi thanked Governor Oborevwori for his support and pledged to continue striving for excellence and bringing more international honours to Delta State and Nigeria.
