Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has rewarded 14-year-old spelling sensation Damilola Adeolu with a full scholarship, monthly allowances, educational support, and a ₦2 million cash gift following her outstanding performance at the 2026 World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China.
Damilola, an SS1 student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, won two gold medals at the global competition after emerging champion at both the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the 2026 African Spelling Bee Championship (Junior Category) held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The governor announced the rewards during a reception at the Government House in Ado Ekiti attended by Damilola, her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Adeolu, her coach Esther Omolayo, and the proprietor of her school, Lawrence Oluwafemi.
As part of the package, the Ekiti State Government will sponsor Damilola’s education from Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) through university, while also providing monthly upkeep allowances, books, a computer, and other learning materials to support her academic development.
Speaking during the event, Governor Oyebanji praised the young champion for bringing pride to Ekiti State and Nigeria.
“You have made us extremely proud. You have conquered the world, but you need to conquer the future. The future is ahead of you,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, modernising the state’s educational system, and creating opportunities for young people to compete successfully on the global stage.
In recognition of those who contributed to Damilola’s success, the governor also presented ₦2 million to St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, while her coach, Esther Omolayo, received ₦1 million for her dedication and mentorship.
School proprietor Lawrence Oluwafemi thanked the governor for sponsoring the team’s trip to China, noting that the support enabled Damilola to represent Africa at the prestigious competition.
Before her victory in Shanghai, the Ekiti State Government had already rewarded the young scholar with an ₦8 million support package after her triumph at the African championship and also funded the travel expenses of Damilola, her mother, coach, and school representatives to China.
Expressing her appreciation, Damilola thanked the governor and the people of Ekiti State for recognising her achievement and encouraged other Nigerian students to remain focused and believe in their dreams.
Her remarkable journey reinforces Ekiti State’s reputation as the “Fountain of Knowledge” and highlights the growing commitment of governments to rewarding academic excellence alongside achievements in sports and other fields….See more