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Prominent Benue social media activist and human rights advocate, D’naked Elder Sughnen Yaaya, has expressed mixed feelings of pride and resignation after a young girl he had previously spotlighted secured a full scholarship from the Taraba State Government.
In a reflective post shared on Friday, Yaaya revealed that Iwasen Terhemba, the girl at the centre of his earlier advocacy, recently met with the Taraba State First Lady and the Commissioner for Child Protection. During the meeting, Iwasen was awarded a full-time scholarship, along with maintenance allowances and cash support from the Taraba State Government.
Yaaya noted that while he played a significant role in raising public attention to the girl’s situation earlier, the final breakthrough came through direct engagement with Taraba authorities—without his further involvement at the concluding stage. “At this stage, the aunty fronted the meeting while Orkwande remained in the dark,” he wrote, referring to himself. “Sincerely I’m not angry but after my efforts, e reach good stage I was sidelined. Na so e suppose be?”
Despite the sidelining, the activist congratulated Iwasen and her family, expressing genuine pride in the outcome. “Congratulation to her and her family. I’m proud of what I represent,” he stated. He described his work as part of a broader calling, adding: “Let’s keep helping, our reward is in heaven as said.”
The development highlights the often collaborative and multi-layered nature of advocacy efforts, where initial public attention can open doors that lead to resolution through institutional channels. Yaaya’s post has drawn supportive reactions from followers who commended his consistency in highlighting vulnerable cases and his gracious acceptance of being “sidelined” once the girl’s needs were met.
Iwasen’s scholarship marks a positive turn for the young girl from Benue, offering her access to education and financial stability through the goodwill of the neighbouring Taraba State Government.
