Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has awarded a cash gift of ₦1 million each to the five students who represented Abia State and Nigeria at the International Schools Debate Championship, Doha, Qatar, 2026.
The Governor also announced a full education sponsorship up to university level by the Alex Otti Foundation for the captain of the Abia contingent, 15-year-old Miss Esther Christian, who lost her father at the age of four.
Governor Otti made the announcements on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, while hosting the victorious Abia students.
Governor Otti also awarded ₦1 million to Miss Onyinyechi Okonkwo of Ovom Girls Secondary School, winner of the recent National Essay Competition, ₦750,000 each to the officials who accompanied the debate team, and ₦1.75 million to
Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School, Abayi Umuocham Osisioma Ngwa, which produced the champions.
Presenting their trophies, medals and certificates, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s determination to transform the State’s education sector through sustained investment, improved infrastructure and increased access to quality education.
The State Chief Executive congratulated the students and said celebrating outstanding achievements is part of Abia’s identity.
“This is in the DNA of Abia State. We celebrate people. When you do well, we celebrate you,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor approved the students’ request to participate in the 2027 edition of the competition, noting that although considerable progress has been made in the education sector, more work remains to be done.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, said the achievements recorded so far are only the beginning and that the positive impact of the Government’s efforts in education is gradually becoming evident. He expressed confidence that investments in education would yield fruitful outcomes.
In her speech, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Lydia Ezinne Onuoha, who led the team to the international competition, said the students did not just participate but dominated and became the centre of attraction.
She disclosed that during the five final rounds, the students were given impromptu topics with only 15 minutes to prepare and deliver their arguments. The team won four trophies and twelve medals, defeating six countries.
According to her, the team clinched the Best International School Debate Team, Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, Best Debater, and Best Leadership awards. They also ranked among the top ten speakers in the tournament, which featured over 84 teams.
The Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Championship, Elder Oritu Dare, commended Governor Otti for the infrastructural development in the State, noting a huge difference between his previous visits during past administrations and now. He said the victory has created an opportunity for Nigeria to participate in the next edition of the competition in Singapore.
The Abia State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Unyime Umoette, appreciated Governor Otti for the positive changes in the State, particularly in education, noting that public schools are becoming more functional. She called on public office holders to adopt public schools in their communities and support their development.
Speaking on behalf of parents of the champions, Mr. Akamnonu Christopher thanked the Governor for hosting the students and for his investment in education, saying that they are proud of their success at an international competition.
Responding, the Team Captain, Miss Esther Christian, narrated their success story, thanked the Governor for his commitment to education and the officials for believing in them, and promised that they would continue to make Abia and Nigeria proud. She requested the Governor’s approval for their participation in next year’s edition of the competition.
The event was attended by parents of the champion team and senior appointees of the Government.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 24, 2026.
