Ekiti spelling bee winner Oyebanji reward as Governor Biodun Oyebanji gifts ₦8m to champion Oluwadamilola Adeolu and sponsors trip to China

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has rewarded 14-year-old African Spelling Bee champion Oluwadamilola Adeolu with cash gifts and international sponsorship after her outstanding performance at the continental competition.

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The Ekiti spelling bee winner Oyebanji reward includes a total package of ₦8 million for the student, her coach and her school, St Lawrence Metropolitan College.

Under the arrangement announced on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, Adeolu will receive ₦2 million, while her coach, Esther Omolayo, will get ₦1 million. The school will also receive ₦5 million.

The governor further pledged to sponsor the young champion, her mother and her coach to the World Spelling Bee Championship scheduled to hold in China later in the year.

Oyebanji, while receiving the champion and her delegation at his office, described her achievement as a reflection of Ekiti State’s long-standing reputation for academic excellence.

He said the victory highlights values of discipline, hard work and commitment, which he noted are deeply rooted in the state’s education culture.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s focus on education, stressing ongoing reforms aimed at improving infrastructure, teacher development and curriculum relevance across all levels.

He added that efforts were being made to align learning content with global standards to prepare students for future challenges.

Speaking on the achievement, Oyebanji said the state would continue to recognise and reward excellence to encourage both students and teachers.

“Damilola has once again demonstrated what Ekiti people are known for,” he said, praising her performance and expressing pride in her success.

He also encouraged students across the state to remain focused, noting that discipline and dedication remain key to academic success.

School proprietor Oluwafemi praised the government’s education policies, saying they had contributed to improved academic performance among students in the state.

Oluwadamilola Adeolu expressed gratitude for the recognition and described the sponsorship to represent Africa in China as a major motivation to achieve more.

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The Ekiti spelling bee winner Oyebanji reward is the latest in a series of education-focused interventions by the state government aimed at promoting academic excellence.