Agatu Indigenous Youth Association Commends Chairman Ejeh for Children’s Day Celebration, Urges Focus on Crisis-Hit Areas
*Agatu, Benue State – May 27, 2025* – The Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA) has commended Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, for organizing what it described as a grand Children’s Day celebration in Obagaji.
In a statement signed by Convener/National President Comr. Ochokwunu Daniel Edor, AIYA said schools from across Agatu gathered in Obagaji for a parade, dancing, and competitions to mark the day.
According to AIYA, winners were declared based on performance, with prize money awarded by the Chairman:
– *1st place*: LGEA Primary School, Obagaji – ₦500,000
– *2nd place*: UBE GSS, Usha – ₦300,000
– *3rd place*: UBE School, Obagaji – ₦200,000
AIYA stated that the prize amounts are the highest recorded for Children’s Day in Agatu’s history, contrasting them with past awards of ₦30,000, ₦20,000, and ₦10,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively. The association said it “stands to be corrected” on the past figures.
The statement also highlighted a ₦200,000 gift from the Chairman to David Haruna, a disabled student from a school in Enungba, who performed at the event.
AIYA linked the celebration to the Chairman’s earlier recognition of Imoni Adoga Joshua with a ₦1,000,000 award for academic excellence, saying it signals growing commitment to education in Agatu.
The association, however, called for intervention in Agatu West and East, where AIYA said educational activities have “almost completely come to a stop” due to ongoing crisis. It also urged attention to school infrastructure and advised competition winners to use part of their prize money to address needs in their schools.
In the same statement, AIYA reminded leaders of Agatu of Oloche Silas IDUH, who it said remains in detention over what the association described as “his only crime is to seek for resources to ensure we are all safe.” No official details on the case have been released by authorities.
“To the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, we appreciate you and celebrate you greatly and encourage you to continue in this attitude,” the statement concluded.
*Signed:*
Comr. Ochokwunu Daniel Edor
Convener/National President
Agatu Indigenous Youth Association (AIYA)