Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of 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 abandon harmful labels and provide them with the care, acceptance and support they deserve.
Oborevwori made the call on Tuesday during the You Matter Charity Foundation’s free medical outreach in Agbor, Ika Federal Constituency, where she expressed concern over the treatment of children with special needs in some communities. She particularly condemned the practice of describing such children as spiritual children or referring to them as “Ogbanje.”
According to the First Lady, such labels are based on misconceptions and undermine the dignity of children who should instead receive love, protection, education and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
“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,” she said.
Oborevwori also raised concerns over the shortage of adequate educational facilities and specialised support for children with autism and other special needs. She urged communities and relevant stakeholders to promote greater acceptance and inclusion, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
She further appealed to healthcare practitioners across Delta State to prioritise the needs of children with autism and other special needs whenever they visit health facilities. She urged medical workers to understand their needs, provide them with warmth and attention and, where possible, minimise the stress of long queues and prolonged waiting periods.
“These children may have special needs, but their dignity is not special, it is a fundamental right,” Oborevwori said.
The Director-General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Lawrentta Ogbedo, described Deaconess Oborevwori as a mother who had consistently demonstrated concern for vulnerable people across Delta State.
Ogbedo disclosed that the Foundation had so far donated 109 wheelchairs and 490 bags of rice, as well as interactive boards and other forms of support to beneficiaries across the state.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, welcomed Deaconess Oborevwori to Ika land and commended the Foundation for bringing healthcare closer to residents.
Ehiwarior said genuine development was about touching lives, expressing appreciation for the support provided through the outreach.
He urged residents and beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity while reminding them of the importance of regular medical checks.
He also thanked Deaconess Oborevwori for creating time to visit Ika, saying her presence and intervention would leave a lasting footprint in the constituency.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by Dr. Gloria Onajite-Mok, said the state government remained committed to strengthening healthcare delivery and caring for vulnerable residents.
He stressed the importance of early detection in improving health outcomes and encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the medical services provided during the outreach. He also commended the You Matter Charity Foundation and its partners for bringing healthcare closer to residents of Ika Federal Constituency.
The Dein of Agbor, Obi Benjamin Ikenchukwu Kaigborekuzi I, also commended Deaconess Oborevwori for her efforts in supporting children and vulnerable people across Delta State.
The traditional ruler praised the contribution of women to the development of Delta State and Nigeria, particularly women in the civil service and other sectors, while expressing appreciation for their contributions to the progress of the state.
He also commended the First Lady for her support for women and vulnerable members of society, urging continued efforts to identify and support them across the state.
Highlights of the Ika outreach included the presentation of 20 wheelchairs to persons living with mobility challenges and the raising of ₦6 million towards the medical care of a family with two children living with special needs.
The Foundation also pledged to support the treatment of two other children diagnosed with serious medical conditions, including a brain tumour and another who reportedly ingested a poisonous substance.
