Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with 20 million naira for emerging winner of the World Spelling Bee Championship in China.
He described the feat as a testament to the state’s sustained investment in education.
Governor Oborevwwori announced the cash reward at Government House Asaba while receiving the championship trophy from the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education.
The governor said the global victory reaffirmed that Delta State’s deliberate investments in education were yielding tangible results, stressing that education remained the greatest legacy parents and governments could bequeath to future generations.
He noted that Delta had consistently distinguished itself 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.
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 for the success recorded by their son.
He also praised Madonna International School for providing quality education and announced that, in addition to the N20 million reward for the student, the state government would extend support to the school.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic achievement not only for Delta State but also for Nigeria and the African continent.
He said the triumph marked the return of the prestigious trophy to Africa, noting that the student’s success was the culmination of years of determination and consistent support from the Delta State Government.
He also commended the governor for the massive investments in the education sector, particularly in improving teaching and learning across public schools in the state.
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.
