By Sunday Apah
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has recognized Master Great Chinedu Okediashi with a N20 million reward for his victory at the World Spelling Bee Championship in China.
The Governor highlighted this achievement as evidence of the state’s ongoing commitment to educational development.
This was made known on Friday in Asaba, during a ceremony at Government House where the championship trophy was presented by Okediashi and officials from the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that this international success underscores the effectiveness of Delta State’s strategic investments in education.
He reiterated that education remains the most valuable inheritance parents and governments can provide for future generations. “Unlike material possessions, which can be lost, education is an enduring asset that remains with an individual throughout life,” the Governor stated.
He further elaborated, “Education is a top priority in Delta State because it is the greatest gift one can bestow upon a child. While wealth may diminish, education endures. This conviction drives our substantial investments in the sector.”
The Governor noted Delta State’s consistent strong performance in global academic contests, recalling the state’s contribution to the Nigerian team that secured victory in the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, last year.
“This triumph comes as no surprise to us in Delta State. Last year, Nigeria, specifically Delta State, claimed the world debate championship in Doha, and now Master Great Chinedu Okediashi has brought the World Spelling Bee trophy from China to Delta State.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of our educational investments,” he remarked. “Beyond constructing school infrastructure, we are establishing a robust educational foundation, and this accomplishment is a direct result.”
Governor Oborevwori commended the student’s parents for their role in his upbringing and expressed regret at their absence from the event, stating they deserved equal acknowledgment for their son’s success.
He also lauded Madonna International School for its commitment to quality education, announcing that in addition to the N20 million for the student, the state government would provide support to the school.
Earlier, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Commissioner for Secondary Education, hailed the victory as a monumental achievement for Delta State, Nigeria, and the African continent.
He noted that this triumph signifies the return of the esteemed trophy to Africa, attributing the student’s success to years of perseverance and unwavering support from the Delta State Government.
Ashibuogwu credited the Governor’s financial and moral encouragement throughout the competition for motivating the team to persist until they ultimately won the global title in China.
“We are here not only to present the trophy but also to express our gratitude to Your Excellency. Your encouragement, continuous oversight, prayers, and financial backing were instrumental in this success. Today, the trophy is back in Africa, back in Nigeria, and now proudly in Delta State,” the commissioner affirmed.
He also praised the Governor for the extensive investments in the education sector, particularly in enhancing teaching and learning across public schools in the state.
Upon presenting the trophy to the Governor, Master Okediashi conveyed his gratitude for the support and pledged to continue striving to bring further accolades and international recognition to Delta State and Nigeria.
