Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, last Monday secured the educational future of a 14-year-old world Spelling Bee champion, Damilola Adeolu, by awarding her a comprehensive scholarship from senior secondary school through the university with monthly welfare support and a N5 million cash reward package.
The governor announced the unprecedented support while receiving the SSS1 student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, at the Government House following her remarkable triumph at the World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China, where she won two gold medals after emerging champion in both the Nigerian and African competitions.
Beyond the scholarship, Governor Oyebanji directed that the state government should provide monthly allowances to cater for Damilola’s welfare and learning needs, including books, computers and other educational materials, describing the intervention as an investment in excellence rather than a mere reward for past achievements.
“You have made us extremely proud. You have conquered the world, but you still have a greater future ahead of you,” the governor told the young champion.
He explained that the scholarship would cover all her educational expenses from SS2 until she graduates from the university.
“I have just discussed with the Commissioner for Education. From now till she finishes secondary school, the government will pay. When she gets to the university, we will sit down and work that out with you,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji also pledged to facilitate Damilola’s meeting with the Minister of Education and the Office of the Wife of the President, saying her global accomplishment deserves national recognition.
As part of the celebration, the governor announced cash rewards of N2 million for Damilola, N2 million for St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, and N1 million for her coach in recognition of their collective efforts in producing a world champion.
He described Damilola’s feat as a defining moment for Ekiti State, Nigeria and Africa, adding that her achievement has demonstrated that young Nigerians can compete successfully with the best in the world when given the right support.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to nurturing talents and providing opportunities for young people to excel globally through sustained investment in education and human capital development.
Speaking after the reception, the proprietor of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Elder Lawrence Oluwafemi, recounted Damilola’s journey to global stardom, explaining that she first won the national title before emerging African champion, earning the right to represent the continent in China.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for sponsoring the team’s trip to Shanghai, noting that the historic achievement would not have been possible without the government’s intervention.
According to him, the school has many gifted students who are being groomed for international competitions.
“We have a lot of them. She and other students will also be going back to Beijing next year to represent Ekiti State, Nigeria, and Africa. And we are coming back as champions,” he said.
An excited Damilola described winning the world title as an amazing and unforgettable experience, saying she felt honoured to become one of the gold medalists at the championship.
She thanked Governor Oyebanji for believing in her and for the enormous support extended to her throughout the competition, promising to continue making Ekiti State, Nigeria and Africa proud.
The young champion also encouraged other students never to stop believing in themselves, expressing confidence that hard work, determination and self-belief would eventually lead them to success.