Tobore Oborevwori’s, wife of Delta State Governor and Founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, carrying a child with special needs flanked by Catherine Onyeme, wife of Deputy Governor (behind) and other dignitaries during the Free Medical Outreach for children with special needs in Ika Federal Constituency held at Agbor.
…Raises N6m towards medical care of two children living with special needs
Tobore Oborevwori, wife of Delta State Governor has called for total eradication of stigmatisation of autistic children and children with special needs, as the You Matter Charity Foundation’s (YMCF) free medical outreach extends to Ika Federal Constituency of the state.
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.
Such labels, Oborevwori explained are based on misconceptions and undermine the dignity of children who should instead receive love, protection, education and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
She made the appeal at the YMCF’s medical outreach held at Agbor in Ika Federal Constituency, Tuesday, where the foundation presented 20 wheelchairs to persons living with mobility challenges, as well as raised N6 million towards the medical care of a family with two children living with special needs.
Oborevwori, who expressed concern over the treatment of children with special needs in some communities, urged Nigerians to abandon harmful labels and provide the victims with the care, acceptance and support they deserve.
The YMCF’s founder 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, noting that every child deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
She 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.
Lawrentta Ogbedo, the director-general of the YMCF, described Oborevwori, the founder, as a mother who had consistently demonstrated concern for vulnerable people across the 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.
Joseph Onojaeme, Delta State Commissioner for Health, represented by 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 lauded the founder of the YMCFand the partners for bringing healthcare closer to residents of Ika Federal Constituency.
Jerry Ehiwarior, chairman of Ika South Local Government Area had earlier welcomed the governor’s wife, noting that genuine development was about touching lives. Thus, he expressed appreciation for the support provided through the outreach and urged residents and beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity even as he reminded them of the importance of regular medical checks.
Benjamin Keagborekuzi Ikenchukwu, the Dein of Agbor, 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 commended the governor’s wife for supporting children, women and the vulnerable members of society and urged continued efforts to identify and support them across the state.
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.
