Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has awarded a full scholarship to 14-year old Damilola Adeolu, the SSS1 student who won two gold medals at the World Spelling Bee championship held in Shanghai, China recently.
Damilola, a student of St Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, had represented Africa at the world championship, having earlier emerged winner of the National and African Spelling Bee Championships earlier in the year.
Governor Oyebanji hailed the youngster for her amazing and brilliant performances at the national, Africa and world Spelling Bee Competitions, when he received her, her parents, Rev and Mrs Adeolu, her coach and her school proprietor, Elder Lawrence Oluwafemi at the Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti on Monday.
Aside the scholarship, Governor Oyebanji also awarded monthly allowances for Damilola’s upkeep and learning facilities, stressing that the State Government would show a greater level of interest in her future much more than the joy of the laurels she has won.
Governor Oyebanji described Damilola’s feat as a proud moment for Ekiti, Nigeria and Africa in general, noting that her giant strides would go a long way to inspire other students to dare to be among the best.
He also reiterated the commitment of his administration to supporting Ekiti youths to compete favorable with their counterparts in any part of the world and providing platforms for them to exhibit their God- given talents.
The Governor said, “You have made us extremely proud. You have conquered the world, but you need to conquer the future. The future is ahead of you.
To sustain that future, the Governor announced that the state government will underwrite all of Damilola’s educational bills from SS2 through secondary school and university.
He added that the scholarship will be “all-embracing” and will also cover monthly welfare support and provision of learning materials such as books, computers and other needs.
“I have just discussed with the Commissioner for Education. From now till she finishes secondary school, government will pay. When she gets to university, we will sit down and work that out with you,” the Governor stressed.
The Governor also
Promised to facilitate Damilola’s meeting with the Minister of Education, and office of the Wife of the President, stressing that her exploits should be celebrated beyond state level.
To celebrate the achievement, the Governor announced cash rewards of N2 million for Damilola, N2 million for her school, and N1 million for her coach.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after the event, the Proprietor of the school, Mr Lawrence Oluwafemi highlighted how Damilola emerged as world champion saying she first conquered Nigeria and later represented Nigeria at the African championship where she also emerged first. He thanked the Ekiti State Governor for sponsoring their trip to Shanghai, China to represent Africa, noting that without the support, the journey would not have been possible.
The Proprietor added that Damilola is not the only star student. “We have a lot of them. She and other students will also be going back to Beijing next year to represent Ekiti, Nigeria, and Africa. “And we are coming back as champions.” He added.
Also speaking with Journalists, Damilola described her experience as “amazing and “wonderful” It was a wonderful experience and I felt very happy and proud of herself when she became one of the gold award medalists.
Damilola thanked the state Governor, Mr Oyebanji for the support she received and promised to continue to do the state proud. She however used the opportunity to encourage other young people to keep on believing and be proud of themselves stating that someday, they will eventually win and make the state and the country proud.
Also at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Education, Dr Bimpe Aderiye, Special Adviser on tertiary education, Prof. Akeem Azeez and Special Adviser, Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.
