Esther Christian, orphaned at 4, wins scholarship after debate triumph at 15

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has awarded a scholarship through university to 15-year-old Esther Christian, captain of Abia’s winning team at the 2026 International Schools Debate Championship in Doha. Christian, who lost her father when she was four, will receive the scholarship through the Alex Otti Foundation. Otti also gave one million naira to each of the five students on the team, which won four trophies and 12 medals, and presented awards to other students, officials and the school that produced the champions. The team won titles including Best International School Debate Team and Overall Best Team in the Junior Category, and Otti approved its participation in the 2027 competition.