In a strong demonstration of support for children with special needs, the Wife of the Governor of Delta State and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, distributed free medications, wheelchairs, and various assistive and educational devices during the launch of a free medical outreach in Ughelli, Delta Central.
The programme, organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, provided medical examinations, nutrition counselling, disability-support services, and a wide array of mobility and learning tools aimed at improving access to care and enhancing the independence and wellbeing of beneficiaries.
Addressing parents and caregivers, Deaconess Oborevwori appealed for an end to the long-standing practice of hiding children with special needs. She described the behaviour as harmful and rooted in misinformation, stressing that no child should be denied visibility, affection, or proper care.
“It is not their fault. Every child deserves love, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
She expressed concern about the persistent stigma surrounding Autism and other developmental conditions, noting that many children are kept out of school and away from medical support because families fear judgement.
“Autistic people are everyday people who live among us. Autism is not a spiritual problem or an illness looking for a cure. It is a condition that can be managed with understanding, compassion, and the right professional support,” she explained.
The First Lady noted that the statewide outreach aims not only to deliver critical health services but also to confront misconceptions and encourage families to seek early intervention. She urged mothers to show courage by bringing their children forward for assessment and support rather than keeping them hidden.
She restated her Foundation’s commitment to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of children with special needs, calling on families, community leaders, and institutions to work collectively toward building a more inclusive Delta State.
During the event, Dr. Ifeoma Udeh, Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, delivered a health talk highlighting that nearly half of Nigerian children experience micronutrient deficiencies—largely due to economic hardship, poor dietary practices, and cultural influences. She underscored the critical importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition.
Also speaking, Dr. Bolum-Okolie Angela, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, reinforced the First Lady’s message by urging parents to prioritise consistent healthcare, education, and emotional support for children living with disabilities. She emphasised that early intervention plays a vital role in improving long-term developmental outcomes.
Medical teams were on site to conduct examinations, offer professional guidance, and distribute support materials, continuing the Foundation’s mission to provide visibility, hope, and essential services to children with special needs across Delta State.
