Delta Honours 12-Year-Old World Spelling Bee Champion with ₦20 Million, Scholarship
12-year-old Master Great Chinedu Okediachi has been given ₦20 million and a university scholarship for winning the 2026 World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China.
The cash award was presented by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, at a reception at Government House, Asaba, where he said that education is the biggest investment in a child’s future. His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba, also gave the young champion a scholarship to assist him to the university.
A pupil of Madonna International School, Asaba, Master Great took the international competition’s Middle School category and returned the prestigious trophy to the continent of Africa.
Governor Oborevwori said the success was a testament to the commitment of Delta State to quality education and nurturing talents of children.
The governor said that he doesn’t play with education in Delta because it is the greatest legacy anyone can give to a child, and the achievement reflects the state’s investment in education is producing results.
The Asagba extolled the 12-year-old in the royal palace, making Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria and Africa proud. He urged Master Great to be modest and stay humble in his achievements.
I wouldn’t have gotten this done without the help of others. I’m so grateful,” said Master Great to his parents, teachers, school and supporters.
The awarding of the young champion is a testament to the power of investing in children’s education and the celebration of academic achievement to inspire more young people to seek out learning, nurture their talents and compete on the international stage.
