Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with ₦20 million for emerging winner of the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, describing the achievement as proof that the state’s sustained investment in education is yielding results.
The governor announced the cash 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 triumph reaffirmed the state’s commitment to educational development, stressing that education remains the greatest legacy parents and governments can give to children.
According to him, while material wealth may be lost, education remains 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.
He noted that Delta State has consistently distinguished itself in international academic competitions, recalling that students from the state were part of Nigeria’s 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.
“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 their role in his success and expressed disappointment that they were not present at the ceremony, saying they deserved recognition for nurturing the young champion.
He also praised Madonna International School for providing quality education and announced that, in addition to the ₦20 million reward for Okediashi, the state government would extend support to the school.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a historic achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and the African continent.
He said the triumph marked the return of the prestigious trophy to Africa and reflected years of dedication, hard work and consistent support from the Delta State Government.
Ashibuogwu noted that the governor’s financial and moral support throughout the competition motivated the team to persevere and ultimately emerge victorious.
“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.
The commissioner also commended the governor for his investments in the education sector, particularly efforts aimed at improving teaching and learning in public schools across 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.
The champion formally presented his trophy and certificate to the governor, marking the culmination of months of preparation, discipline and dedication that led to his global victory.
He also reflected on his journey to success, while his coach expressed confidence that he would achieve even greater feats in future competitions.
At their home in Asaba, the champion’s parents expressed joy over their son’s achievement and spoke about the support and sacrifices that contributed to his success.
They praised Governor Oborevwori for the ₦20 million reward, describing it as a source of motivation for students and evidence of the state’s commitment to educational excellence.
Great, the youngest of six children, has displayed a strong passion for learning and exceptional spelling ability from an early age. His family and teachers remain optimistic that his consistency and dedication will continue to set him apart in future academic pursuits.
