Otti Rewards Abia Debate Champions, Offers Scholarship To Captain

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has rewarded 5 college students who represented Abia State and Nigeria on the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, with N1m every, whereas asserting a full academic scholarship as much as college degree for the crew’s captain, 15-year-old Esther Christian.

The governor introduced the rewards on Saturday, October 24, 2026, on the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, whereas internet hosting the scholars in recognition of their efficiency on the worldwide competitors.

The scholarship, to be offered by means of the Alex Otti Foundation, will cowl Esther’s schooling as much as college degree. The younger debater reportedly misplaced her father when she was 4 years previous.

In addition to the rewards for the 5 college students, Otti introduced N1m to Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School, winner of a latest nationwide essay competitors.

He additionally awarded N750,000 every to the officers who accompanied the talk crew and N1.75m to Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School, Abayi Umuocham, Osisioma Ngwa, which produced the champions.

Presenting trophies, medals and certificates to the scholars, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to bettering schooling by means of sustained funding, higher infrastructure and expanded entry to high quality studying.

Otti congratulated the scholars, describing the celebration of excellent achievements as a part of Abia’s id.

“This is in the DNA of Abia State. We celebrate people. When you do well, we celebrate you,” the governor stated.

He additionally accredited the scholars’ request to take part within the 2027 version of the competitors, acknowledging the progress recorded within the state’s schooling sector whereas stressing that extra work remained to be completed.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, stated the achievements represented the start of what could possibly be achieved by means of sustained funding in schooling.

Ubochi expressed optimism that the impression of the federal government’s interventions would develop into more and more evident, including that investments within the sector would yield constructive outcomes.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Lydia Ezinne Onuoha, who led the delegation to Qatar, stated the scholars distinguished themselves on the competitors, rising among the many main groups.

She defined that through the 5 last rounds, individuals have been introduced with impromptu subjects and given solely quarter-hour to organize and ship their arguments.

According to her, the Abia crew gained 4 trophies and 12 medals after competing in opposition to representatives from six nations.

The crew secured the awards for Best International School Debate Team, Overall Best Team within the Junior Category, Best Debater and Best Leadership. Its members additionally ranked among the many match’s high 10 audio system in an occasion that featured greater than 84 groups.

The Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Championship, Elder Oritu Dare, counseled the governor for developments within the state, notably infrastructure, saying he had noticed a major distinction between his earlier visits underneath previous administrations and his newest go to.

Dare stated the crew’s efficiency had opened a chance for Nigeria to take part within the subsequent version of the competitors scheduled to carry in Singapore.

The Abia State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Unyime Umoette, additionally acknowledged adjustments within the state’s schooling sector, noting that public faculties have been turning into extra purposeful.

She urged public workplace holders to undertake public faculties of their communities and contribute to their improvement.

Speaking on behalf of the mother and father, Mr. Akamnonu Christopher thanked the governor for internet hosting the scholars and supporting schooling, describing their worldwide achievement as a supply of delight.

The crew captain, Esther Christian, recounted the scholars’ expertise on the competitors and expressed appreciation to the governor for his dedication to schooling and to the officers who supported them.

She pledged that the crew would proceed to make Abia State and Nigeria proud, whereas interesting for approval to take part within the 2027 championship.

Parents of the scholars and senior authorities officers attended the occasion.