Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has rewarded Africa Spelling Bee champion, Miss Adeolu Oluwadamilola, with a total of N8 million, extending the gesture to her coach and school in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

The governor also pledged to sponsor Oluwadamilola, alongside her mother and coach, to the World Spelling Bee Championship scheduled to hold in China later this year.

Oyebanji made the announcement while receiving the young champion, her mother, Mrs Oluwabunmi Adeolu; the proprietor of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, Mr Lawrence Oluwafemi; and her coach, Mrs Esther Omolayo, at his office in Ado Ekiti.

Commending Oluwadamilola for bringing pride to Ekiti State and Nigeria, the governor described her feat as a reflection of the state’s enduring reputation for academic excellence. He noted that her success exemplifies the values of diligence, discipline, and excellence long associated with Ekiti people.

Breaking down the reward, Oyebanji said the state government would present N2 million to Oluwadamilola, N1 million to her coach, and N5 million to the school as a token of appreciation for their collective effort.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising education as a cornerstone of development, noting that deliberate investments have been made in infrastructure, teacher capacity building, and the provision of learning materials. He added that reforms have also focused on aligning the curriculum with 21st-century realities.

According to the governor, his administration has worked to ensure a balance between what is taught, how it is taught, and the environment in which learning takes place, in order to achieve optimal outcomes in the education sector.

While congratulating the champion, Oyebanji assured that the government would continue to reward excellence across sectors, particularly in education, to motivate students and educators to strive for greater accomplishments.

He urged pupils across the state to remain committed to their studies, stressing that hard work, discipline, and determination remain key to success, while assuring them of continued government support.

Responding, the school proprietor, Mr Oluwafemi, commended the governor’s deliberate efforts to reposition the education sector, noting that such policies have contributed significantly to the growing success of students in the state. He described the governor’s gesture as a strong encouragement for both staff and students to remain dedicated to excellence.

Oluwadamilola, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the governor for the recognition and sponsorship, describing the support as a strong motivation to aim higher as she prepares to represent Africa on the global stage in China.