Oborevwori Rewards Delta Student with ₦20m After World Spelling Bee Triumph in China
By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has awarded ₦20 million to Master Great Chinedu Okediashi after the student emerged winner of the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, describing the achievement as proof that sustained investment in education delivers world-class results.
The governor announced the reward on Friday at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the championship trophy from the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Mr Oborevwori said the international victory reflected Delta State’s long-term commitment to strengthening education, insisting that learning remained the greatest inheritance any government or parent could provide.
“We don’t play with education in Delta State because it is the greatest legacy anyone can give to a child,” the governor said.
“Wealth can disappear, but education remains with you throughout your lifetime. That is why we continue to invest heavily in education.”
The governor said Delta had developed a reputation for academic excellence on the global stage, recalling that students from the state formed part of Nigeria’s victorious team at the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year.
“Victory is not a surprise to us in Delta State,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Oborevwori also praised the student’s parents for their role in nurturing his talent, expressing disappointment that they were unable to attend the ceremony. He said they deserved recognition alongside their son for the remarkable accomplishment.
The governor further commended Madonna International School for maintaining high educational standards and announced that the state government would also provide support to the institution in recognition of its contribution to the student’s success.
Earlier, Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a landmark achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and Africa.
He said the championship marked the return of the prestigious World Spelling Bee trophy to the African continent and credited the success to years of determination, as well as sustained support from the Delta State Government.
According to the commissioner, Governor Oborevwori’s financial assistance, encouragement and close interest throughout the competition inspired the team to persevere until it secured the global title in China.
“We are here not only to present the trophy but also to appreciate Your Excellency,” Dr Ashibuogwu said.
“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 also applauded the administration’s continued investment in improving teaching standards, school infrastructure and learning outcomes across public schools.
Presenting the trophy to the governor, Master Okediashi expressed gratitude for the support he received from the Delta State Government and pledged to continue striving for academic excellence while bringing further international recognition to Delta State and Nigeria.
The latest achievement strengthens Delta State’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of educational excellence and highlights the impact of sustained public investment in nurturing young talent capable of competing successfully on the world stage.