Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has awarded a full scholarship, monthly allowances, and ₦2 million to 14-year-old Damilola Adeolu after she won two gold medals at the World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China. The announcement was made during a reception at the Governor's Office in Ado Ekiti, attended by Damilola, her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Adeolu, her coach Esther Omolayo, and the proprietor of her school, Lawrence Oluwafemi.
Scholarship and Cash Reward
The scholarship covers tuition from Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2) through university, along with monthly upkeep allowances and educational support, including books and a computer. Governor Oyebanji also presented a ₦2 million cash gift to Damilola, while her school received ₦2 million and her coach received ₦1 million.
Damilola, an SS1 student of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, represented Africa at the global competition after emerging as champion at both the National and African Spelling Bee Championships earlier this year. She won two gold medals at the World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China, following her victories in the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the 2026 African Spelling Bee Championship (Junior Category) in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Governor's Remarks
Governor Oyebanji praised Damilola's achievement, stating, "You have made us extremely proud. You have conquered the world, but you need to conquer the future. The future is ahead of you." He reiterated his administration's commitment to investing in education, aligning school curricula with 21st-century realities, and creating opportunities for young people in Ekiti State to compete globally.
Recognition for School and Coach
The state government also rewarded Damilola's school with ₦2 million and presented her coach, Esther Omolayo, with ₦1 million in recognition of her role in preparing the champion. School proprietor Lawrence Oluwafemi thanked the governor for sponsoring the team's trip to Shanghai, noting that the support made it possible for Damilola to represent Africa at the championship.
Before the competition, the Ekiti State Government had awarded an earlier ₦8 million package following her African title and funded the travel expenses of Damilola, her mother, coach, and school representatives to China.
Impact and Inspiration
Damilola expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouraged other young Nigerians to keep believing in themselves. Her story emphasizes Ekiti's long-standing reputation as Nigeria's "Fountain of Knowledge" and reflects the growing emphasis some state governments are placing on rewarding academic excellence alongside achievements in sports and entertainment.
For many students, the governor's gesture sends a clear message that exceptional academic performance can open life-changing opportunities.
