Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has called for an end to the stigmatisation of children living with autism and other special needs, urging Nigerians to replace harmful cultural labels with acceptance, care and inclusion.
Oborevwori made the appeal on Tuesday during a free medical outreach organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation in Agbor, Ika Federal Constituency.
She expressed concern over the treatment of children with special needs in some communities, particularly the practice of describing them as spiritual children or referring to them as “Ogbanje.”
According to her, such descriptions are rooted in misconceptions and can expose vulnerable children to discrimination while denying them the support and opportunities required to thrive.
«“The practice of referring to children living with autism or other special needs as spiritual children, ‘Ogbanje,’ or by any other demeaning name, must be completely eradicated from our society.”»
The First Lady also raised concerns about the limited availability of specialised educational facilities and support services for children with autism and other developmental needs.
She urged parents, communities, schools and other stakeholders to promote inclusion and ensure that children with special needs are given opportunities to learn, develop and participate meaningfully in society.
Oborevwori equally appealed to healthcare professionals across Delta State to adopt more accommodating approaches when attending to children with autism and other special needs.
She encouraged medical personnel to understand their unique requirements, treat them with patience and dignity and, where practicable, reduce the burden of prolonged queues and waiting periods.
«“These children may have special needs, but their dignity is not special, it is a fundamental right,” she said.»
The Director-General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Lawrentta Ogbedo, described Oborevwori as a compassionate mother who had consistently demonstrated concern for vulnerable people across Delta State.
Ogbedo disclosed that the foundation had donated 109 wheelchairs and 490 bags of rice to beneficiaries, in addition to providing interactive boards and other forms of assistance.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, welcomed the First Lady to Ika land and commended the foundation for taking medical services and humanitarian support closer to residents.
Ehiwarior said meaningful development should be measured by its impact on people’s lives, urging beneficiaries to make proper use of the assistance provided and prioritise regular medical checks.
He also thanked Oborevwori for visiting the constituency and supporting residents through the outreach.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by Dr. Gloria Onajite-Mok, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and providing support for vulnerable residents.
He emphasised the importance of early detection and urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the medical services offered during the programme.
The Dein of Agbor, Obi Benjamin Ikenchukwu Kaigborekuzi II, also commended Oborevwori for her interventions on behalf of children, women and other vulnerable groups.
The traditional ruler highlighted the contributions of women to the development of Delta State and Nigeria, particularly those serving in the public sector and other areas of national development.
He urged the First Lady to sustain her efforts to identify vulnerable people and provide assistance where needed.
A major highlight of the outreach was the presentation of 20 wheelchairs to persons living with mobility challenges.
The foundation also raised ₦6 million towards the medical treatment of a family with two children living with special needs.
In addition, the You Matter Charity Foundation pledged to support the treatment of two other children facing serious medical conditions, including one diagnosed with a brain tumour and another who reportedly ingested a poisonous substance.
The interventions, according to the foundation, form part of its broader humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable residents and improve access to healthcare and social assistance across Delta State.
