By Oghenefejiro Emado
25, July 2026
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has presented a cash gift of N20 million to Master Great Chinedu Okediashi in recognition of his victory at the World Spelling Bee Championship held in China.
The governor made the announcement on Friday at Government House, Asaba, during a reception for the student and officials of the Ministry of Secondary Education who came to present the championship trophy.
Oborevwori described the win as proof that the state’s long-term investment in education is producing results. He said education remains the most valuable inheritance any government or parent can give to young people because, unlike material possessions, it cannot be lost.
“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 has built a record in global academic contests. According to him, members of the Nigerian team that won the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar last year were from Delta. He said the new spelling bee title adds to that record and shows the state’s education strategy is working.
“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,” Oborevwori stated.
The governor added that government’s focus goes beyond school buildings to include building a strong educational foundation, and that Okediashi’s achievement reflects that effort.
Oborevwori also acknowledged the role of the student’s parents in raising him and expressed disappointment that they were absent from the ceremony. He said they deserved to be honored alongside their son. He further commended Madonna International School for its contribution to quality learning and announced that the state would extend support to the school in addition to the N20 million reward for the student.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, called the victory a historic moment for Delta, Nigeria, and Africa. He said the trophy’s return to the continent followed years of preparation and consistent backing from the state government.
Ashibuogwu credited the governor’s financial assistance, moral support, prayers, and regular follow-up during the competition for helping the team stay focused until they clinched the title in China.
“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 praised ongoing state investments in teaching and learning across public secondary schools.
Presenting the trophy, Master Okediashi thanked the governor for the support and pledged to keep working hard to bring further honours to Delta State and Nigeria.
