Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has rewarded Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with N20 million for winning the 2026 World Spelling Bee Championship in China.
The governor announced the cash reward on Friday at the Government House, Asaba, while receiving the championship trophy from the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Oborevwori said the student’s victory showed that the state’s continued investment in education was producing positive results.
He described education as the greatest gift parents and government could give to children, adding that knowledge remains valuable throughout life.
“We don’t joke with education in Delta State because it is the greatest legacy anyone can give to a child. Wealth can disappear, but education stays with you for life. That is why we will continue to invest in education,” the governor said.
He noted that Delta State had continued to excel 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.
According to him, Okediashi’s victory in China further confirmed that the state’s education policies were yielding results.
“Last year, Delta students were part of Nigeria’s team that won the world debate championship in Qatar. Today, Master Great Chinedu Okediashi has brought the World Spelling Bee trophy from China to Delta State. This shows that our investment in education is paying off,” he said.
The governor praised the student’s parents for supporting his education and said they deserved recognition for raising a child who had made the state and the country proud.
He also commended Madonna International School for its role in the student’s success and announced that the state government would support the school in addition to rewarding the champion.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, described the victory as a major achievement for Delta State, Nigeria and Africa.
He said the championship trophy had returned to Africa through the efforts of the Delta student, adding that the success was made possible by the determination of the student and the support of the state government.
Ashibuogwu thanked the governor for providing financial and moral support throughout the competition.
“We are here not only to present this trophy but also to thank Your Excellency. Your encouragement, prayers, financial support and constant follow-up inspired the team to succeed. Today, the trophy is back in Africa, back in Nigeria and proudly in Delta State,” he said.
The commissioner also praised the Oborevwori administration for its continued investment in improving education across the state.
Presenting the trophy, Okediashi thanked the governor for supporting him and promised to continue making Delta State and Nigeria proud in future international competitions.
