By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: Master Great Chinedu Okediashi, the Delta student who recently won the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, has received a ₦20 million reward from the Delta State Government in recognition of his international academic achievement.
The reward, announced on Friday at Government House, Asaba, came as the student formally presented the championship trophy to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, marking what many education stakeholders have described as another milestone for academic excellence in the state.
The World Spelling Bee Championship attracts outstanding young contestants from different countries and is regarded as one of the leading international competitions promoting language proficiency, vocabulary development and academic excellence among students.
Beyond the cash reward, the state government also announced plans to support Madonna International School, where Okediashi is a student, acknowledging the school’s contribution to his success on the global stage.
Speaking during the reception, Governor Oborevwori described the student’s victory as evidence that consistent investment in education can produce results beyond the classroom. He said the state would continue to prioritise education as a critical driver of human capital development.
The governor noted that Delta students have continued to distinguish themselves in international academic competitions, recalling that members of the state’s contingent were part of Nigeria’s winning team at the World Schools Debate Championship held in Doha, Qatar.
He also commended Okediashi’s parents and teachers for their roles in nurturing his academic abilities, describing family support and quality teaching as important factors in every student’s success.
Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, said the spelling championship victory was significant not only for Delta State but also for Nigeria, noting that the achievement returned the prestigious trophy to Africa.
According to him, the student’s success reflected years of hard work, disciplined preparation and collaboration among his family, school and education officials who supported the country’s participation in the competition.
Receiving the state’s recognition, Okediashi thanked the government, his parents, teachers and mentors for their encouragement throughout the competition.
He pledged to remain committed to his studies and to continue representing Delta State and Nigeria with distinction in future international academic competitions.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of international academic accomplishments by students from Delta State and reinforces the increasing attention being given to educational excellence alongside achievements in sports and other fields.
