Oyebanji awards scholarship, N5m to Ekiti-born spelling bee world champion
By Boye Oyeyemi
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has awarded a full educational scholarship to 14-year-old Damilola Adeolu, who won two gold medals at the World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China, and announced N5 million in cash rewards for the teenager, her school and her coach.
Damilola, an SS1 student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, represented Africa at the global competition after emerging champion at both the National and African Spelling Bee Championships earlier this year, and was received at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti on Monday alongside her parents, coach and school proprietor.
Oyebanji said the state would sponsor Damilola’s education from senior secondary school through the university, with the scholarship covering tuition, monthly welfare, books, computers and other learning materials required for her studies.
He praised the teenager for bringing honour to Ekiti, Nigeria and Africa, saying the government would not only celebrate her achievement but also invest in her future to help her attain greater success.
In addition, the governor pledged to facilitate meetings for Damilola with the Minister of Education and the Office of the Wife of the President to ensure her achievement receives national recognition.
He also announced a cash reward of N2 million for Damilola, N2 million for St. Lawrence Metropolitan College and N1 million for her coach in recognition of their contributions to her success.
Meanwhile, the proprietor of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Lawrence Oluwafemi, commended Oyebanji for sponsoring the school’s trip to China, saying the governor’s support made it possible for Damilola to compete and emerge world champion after winning the national and African titles.
Reacting to the honour, Damilola described the competition as an unforgettable experience, thanked the governor for his support and encouraged other young Nigerians to remain focused and determined because hard work and perseverance lead to success.
