The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has urged parents—especially mothers—to stop hiding children with special needs. She emphasized that these children are not to blame for their conditions and deserve love, care, and to be seen.
She made the appeal in Ughelli, Delta Central, on Thursday, November 27, during the launch of a free medical outreach for children with special needs and their caregivers. The programme was organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Speaking to the women present, Deaconess Oborevwori lamented the persistent stigma surrounding autism and other developmental disorders, particularly in rural areas. She noted that widespread misconceptions have pushed many parents to hide their children, depriving them of education, healthcare, and emotional support. “Autistic people are part of our everyday lives. They live among us and deserve to be treated with love and dignity,” she said.
She stressed that autism is not a spiritual issue or a disease that requires a cure, but a condition that can be managed with understanding, compassion, and professional care. According to her, the state-wide outreach aims to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention. She called on mothers to be bold, bring their children forward, and resist societal pressure or shame. She reaffirmed her dedication to championing the rights of children with special needs while urging families, communities, and organisations to help build a more inclusive society.
During the event, Dr. Ifeoma Udeh, a Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, noted that about half of Nigerian children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. She attributed this to economic hardship, ignorance, and cultural myths about nutrition, and highlighted the need for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Also speaking, Dr. Bolum-Okolie Angela, a Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist from the same hospital, echoed the First Lady’s call for parents to stop hiding children with disabilities. She urged caregivers to ensure access to education, healthcare, and emotional support, noting that early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Medical teams were present to assess the children, while the Foundation distributed free medications, wheelchairs, and various assistive and learning devices to support mobility and independence for those who need them.
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