Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has stepped up support for children living with autism and other developmental conditions with the second phase of the Foundation’s free medical outreach in the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency.
The outreach, organised in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health, offered free medical consultations, health education, medications and assistive devices to children with special needs.
Beneficiaries also received 120 bags of rice, 30 wheelchairs, three smart boards, physiotherapy toys and educational materials designed to support their learning and development.
Speaking at the programme held on Thursday at Osubi Secondary School, Deaconess Oborevwori said the initiative was inspired by the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind because of disability.
She said the outreach, which initially covered senatorial districts, was expanded to federal constituencies after the Foundation discovered that many families were unable to access support because of distance, poor awareness and financial challenges.
According to her, many children living with autism still face discrimination and are denied equal access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.
“Today’s outreach is more than a medical programme. It is about showing love, creating awareness, supporting families and encouraging our communities to embrace inclusion instead of discrimination,” she said.
She assured parents and caregivers that the Foundation would continue to advocate for better policies and partnerships that improve the lives of children with special needs across Delta State.
Deaconess Oborevwori also called on governments, traditional rulers, religious organisations, healthcare professionals and families to work together to create a society where every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.
“Let us replace fear with understanding, prejudice with acceptance and indifference with compassion. Together, we can build communities where every child is valued and every family receives the support they deserve,” she added.
Director-General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the Foundation would continue taking the medical outreach to other parts of the state so that more vulnerable families can benefit.
Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, praised the governor’s wife for her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and pledged the support of stakeholders in expanding the programme.
Medical experts at the event educated parents on autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions, stressing that autism is not contagious and that early diagnosis, proper medical care, therapy, good nutrition and inclusive education can significantly improve the quality of life of affected children.
Paediatricians Dr. Angela Bolum-Okolie and Dr. Okeroghene Mudiaga-Erhueh urged parents to seek professional medical attention early and appealed to the public to stop stigmatising children living with special needs.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, commended Deaconess Oborevwori for using the Foundation to complement government efforts in healthcare and education.
He encouraged corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that promote the welfare of vulnerable children.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Amara Ejofodomi, whose autistic child received a wheelchair during the outreach, thanked the Foundation for bringing free medical care and support closer to families who need it most.
The outreach is part of the You Matter Charity Foundation’s ongoing programmes aimed at improving access to healthcare, promoting inclusion and giving children living with autism and other special needs the opportunity to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
