Damilola, an SS1 student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, represented Africa at the global competition after earlier emerging winner of both the National and African Spelling Bee Championships. Her remarkable performance earned her international recognition and brought pride to Ekiti State, Nigeria and the African continent.
Receiving the young champion, her parents, coach and the proprietor of her school at the Governor's Office in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji described her achievement as a landmark accomplishment that reflects the academic excellence for which Ekiti State is widely known.
The governor announced that the state government would fully sponsor Damilola's education from Senior Secondary School through university. Beyond paying her school fees, the scholarship package also includes monthly welfare support and the provision of learning materials such as books, computers and other educational resources needed to support her academic growth.
"You have made us extremely proud. You have conquered the world, but you need to conquer the future," Governor Oyebanji said while congratulating the young champion and assuring her of the government's continuous support.
In addition to the scholarship, the governor announced cash rewards to celebrate the achievement. Damilola received ₦2 million, while St. Lawrence Metropolitan College was awarded ₦2 million and her coach received ₦1 million in recognition of their contributions to her success.
Governor Oyebanji also disclosed plans to facilitate meetings between Damilola and the Minister of Education as well as the Office of the First Lady, noting that her outstanding accomplishment deserves national recognition beyond Ekiti State. He said the state government remains committed to investing in education and providing opportunities for young people to excel globally.
Speaking after the ceremony, the proprietor of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Elder Lawrence Oluwafemi, thanked the governor for consistently supporting Damilola's academic journey. He recalled that the state government had earlier sponsored the team's trip to Shanghai, making it possible for the young student to represent Africa at the world championship.
He added that Damilola is one of several talented students in the school and expressed confidence that Ekiti would continue to produce champions capable of competing successfully on the global stage.
Education stakeholders have praised the governor's gesture, describing it as a strong incentive for academic excellence and a demonstration of the state's commitment to rewarding hard work, talent and innovation. They believe the support will inspire more students across Ekiti and Nigeria to pursue excellence in academics and other areas of human endeavour.