Oborevwori’s wife reaches out to children with special needs, caregivers in Delta Central

….Appeals to parents and caregivers to stop hiding autism children

Medical and educational support for children with special needs and their caregivers in Delta Central Senatorial Zone, commenced Thursday in Ughelli North Local Government Area, with Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the governor and founder of You Matter Charity Foundation making life-changing donations to them.

Such donations included free medication, wheelchairs, and a wide range of assistive and educational devices to beneficiaries.

The flag-off also featured medical check-ups, nutrition counselling, disability support services and distribution of mobility and learning tools designed to enhance Independence access to care, and overall well-being.

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The outreach was organized by You Matter Charity Foundation in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

In her speech, Oborevwori appealed to parents and caregivers to end the culture of hiding children with special needs. She made them understand that such practice was harmful and rooted in ignorance.

According to her, no child should be isolated or denied visibility, care, and affection. “It is not their fault. Every child deserves love, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive,”she said.

Oborevwori, a Deaconess, expressed deep concern over the widespread stigma surrounding autism and other developmental conditions, noting that many children are kept away from school and medical care due to fear of 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.

She disclosed that the state-wide medical outreach was designed not only to provide care but also to raise awareness, confront misinformation, and encourage parents to seek early help. She urged mothers to show courage by bringing their children forward for support rather than hiding them.

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She reiterated her Foundation’s commitment to advocating for children with special needs and called on families, community groups, and institutions to work together in building a more inclusive Delta State.

Delivering health talks at the event, Ifeoma Udeh, a medical doctor and Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, warned that about 50% of Nigerian children are micronutrient deficient. She blamed economic pressure, poor feeding choices, and cultural beliefs as major contributors even as she highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early nutrition.

Angela Bolum-Okolie, a medical doctor and Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, corroborated the Oborevwori’s message and urged parents to prioritize education, healthcare, and emotional support for children living with disabilities, adding that early intervention significantly improves long-term outcomes.

One of the deaf students who benefitted from the gestures conveyed the appreciation of beneficiaries in sign language.