Paul Otu Winner

CEO | Bridge and Ladder Studios

Paul Otu Winner was born in Sapele to Urhobo parents from Kokori Inland in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. He spent his early childhood in Sapele, where he attended Urhiapele Primary School (formerly Saint Patrick Primary School), before moving to Benin to live with his uncle, Coach Tony Ottah. In Benin, he attended Uselu Secondary School and served as the head prefect. After graduation, Otu began grassroots soccer coaching, serving as head coach for several teams in Benin City and nearby areas. He won trophies and helped develop young footballers, some of whom later played for the Nigerian national team, including Stanley Okoro and Frank Onyeka. He also worked briefly as a freelance sports analyst, appearing on Edo Broadcasting Services and Silverbird Radio. Later, he founded Fame Football Club. He was involved in agriculture and served as president of an agricultural cooperative, helping rural women access modern farming techniques. He also spent a short time at the University of Benin before moving to the United States to further his education. He earned a B.S. in film from Full Sail University in Florida and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at Southern New Hampshire University.

His writing talent appeared early when he drafted application letters for his uncle and acted as his lawyer. Later, he took writing more seriously, creating essays, poems, and short stories, while also reading newspaper articles, columns, novels from various genres, and history books. His debut book, "Walking in Divine Power," was published in 2021 by Page Publishing, followed by "Good Morning, Lagos," and most recently, "Red Sun Nightmare."

Besides football and writing, Otu is also a businessman. He owns Bridge and Ladder Studio, a film production company based in the United States. He is a proud father of two. Otu Winner celebrates two birthdays: November 11, 1982, and September 16, 1980. When he started school in Benin City, his uncle thought he was born in 1982. However, twenty-five years later, his mother discovered that his documents listed his first birthday as his uncle had indicated; for convenience, he left things the way they were.