Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced sponsorship for 14-year-old Ekiti-born Oluwadamilola Adeolu, who recently won the African Spelling Bee competition, to participate in the world finals in China.
As part of the support package, the governor also presented cash rewards totaling N8m to the champion, her coach, and her school, St Lawrence Metropolitan College.
According to the breakdown, “N2m for Adeolu, N1m for her coach, Esther Omolayo, and N5m for the school.”
Oyebanji also confirmed that he would sponsor the African champion, along with her mother, Oluwabunmi Adeolu, and her coach, to represent at the upcoming world championship in China later in the year.
The governor made this known while receiving the champion, her mother, school officials, and her coach in his office in Ado Ekiti, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
He praised Adeolu for bringing pride to Ekiti State and Nigeria, describing her success as a reflection of the state’s culture of academic excellence and discipline.
Oyebanji further reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through investments in infrastructure, teacher training, learning materials, and curriculum development to meet modern standards.
He added that his government would continue to reward academic excellence to encourage both students and teachers to perform better.
In her response, Adeolu expressed gratitude for the recognition and support, especially the sponsorship to represent Africa in China, saying it would motivate her to achieve more.