Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has awarded a full scholarship to 14-year-old Damilola Oreofe Adeolu, an SS1 student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, who won two gold medals at the 2026 World Spelling Bee Championship in Shanghai, China.
The Governor announced the scholarship on Monday when he received Damilola, her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Adeolu, her coach, and the school proprietor, Elder Lawrence Oluwafemi, at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
Damilola represented Africa at the world championship after emerging winner of both the National Spelling Bee Championship and the African Spelling Bee Championship earlier in the year.
Governor Oyebanji described her feat as a proud moment for Ekiti State, Nigeria, and Africa, noting that her achievement would inspire other students to strive for excellence.
“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.
As part of the scholarship, the State Government will underwrite all of Damilola’s educational expenses from SS2 through secondary school and university.
The package will also cover *monthly welfare allowances* and the provision of learning materials including books, computers, and other educational 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,” Governor Oyebanji stated.
The Governor also promised to facilitate meetings for Damilola with the Honourable Minister of Education and the Office of the Wife of the President* to ensure her exploits receive national recognition.
In further recognition of the achievement, Governor Oyebanji announced cash rewards totaling N5 million: N2 million for Damilola,
N2 million for St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, and N1 million for her coach .
Speaking with journalists, the Proprietor of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Elder Lawrence Oluwafemi, thanked the Governor for sponsoring the trip to Shanghai, noting that the support made Africa’s representation possible.
“Damilola is not the only star student. She and other students will be going back to Beijing next year to represent Ekiti, Nigeria, and Africa. And we are coming back as champions,” he said.
In her remarks, an elated Damilola described the experience as “amazing and wonderful.”
“I felt very happy and proud when I became one of the gold medalists. I thank Governor Oyebanji for the support. I encourage other young people to keep believing in themselves. Someday, you will make the state and country proud,” she said.
The event was attended by 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 on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.
