Oborevwori’s ₦20 Million Promise Delivered As Delta Honours Young Spelling Champion
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Delta Government Fulfils Reward Promise
THE Delta State Government has redeemed its ₦20 million pledge to Master Great Chiedu Okediachi, the state’s World Spelling Bee Champion, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement.
The government presented the reward as part of its effort to celebrate excellence and encourage young people to pursue academic distinction.
Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, presented the cheque to Great on behalf of the state government at his office in Asaba on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Ashibogwu said the payment fulfilled a promise Governor Sheriff Oborevwori made after Great emerged as the World Spelling Bee Champion.
He explained that the governor had shown strong interest in the success of Delta’s representatives during the competition.
According to him, Oborevwori’s support extended beyond funding. The governor also encouraged the young participants and expressed confidence in their ability to excel.
₦40m Sponsorship & ₦20m Reward
The commissioner said the state government had earlier approved ₦40 million to support participation in the spelling bee competition.
The additional ₦20 million went specifically to Great as a reward for his exceptional performance.
Ashibogwu said the investment reflected the government’s belief that education remained a powerful tool for building future leaders.
He added that the reward should serve as a message to students across Delta State that hard work, discipline and determination can attract recognition.
Great’s achievement, he said, has brought honour not only to his school and family but also to Delta State and Nigeria.
The commissioner assured the young champion that the government would continue to support talents and institutions whose achievements positively project the image of the state.
Encouraging a Culture of Academic Excellence
Ashibogwu urged Great to see the award as a beginning rather than the end of his academic journey.
He encouraged him to remain focused and continue striving for greater accomplishments.
The commissioner also praised the school for identifying and nurturing the talent that produced a global champion.
He urged other schools to place greater emphasis on discovering and developing the abilities of their students.
According to him, academic competitions can provide young people with opportunities to test their abilities beyond the classroom.
Such platforms can also expose students to wider national and international opportunities.
Ashibogwu therefore encouraged other students in the state to emulate Great’s commitment to excellence.
Family Expresses Gratitude
Great’s father, Mr. Andrew Okediachi, expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for fulfilling the pledge.
He also thanked the Ministry of Secondary Education and everyone who contributed to his son’s success.
Okediachi described the reward as an important moment for his family and the school.
He said the recognition would encourage Great to pursue even greater goals.
The young champion’s father also appealed for an opportunity to personally thank Governor Oborevwori for the support.
He assured the state government of the family’s continued partnership and goodwill.
The redemption of the ₦20 million pledge adds another chapter to Great Okediachi’s remarkable achievement.
For the Delta State Government, the reward also reinforces a broader message: academic excellence deserves recognition, and exceptional young talents can serve as inspiration for a new generation of students.
