Ekiti State Governor, 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 in Shanghai, China. Damilola, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, represented Africa after emerging winner of the National and African Spelling Bee Championships.

In recognition of her achievement, the Governor announced that the Ekiti State Government will sponsor her education from SS2 through university, provide monthly welfare support and learning materials, and facilitate meetings with the Minister of Education and the Office of the Wife of the President. He also presented cash rewards of ₦2 million to Damilola, ₦2 million to her school, and ₦1 million to her coach.

Governor Oyebanji described Damilola’s success as a proud moment for Ekiti, Nigeria and Africa, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting talented youths. Damilola and her school expressed appreciation for the Governor’s support, with the young champion pledging to continue making the state proud and encouraging other students to believe in themselves.