ASABA/Nigeria: One hundred and sixty children living with autism and other special needs in the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency have received medical and welfare assistance through a free outreach organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation.
The intervention, held in Asaba, included the distribution of 40 wheelchairs, 160 bags of rice, smart boards and therapy toys, alongside medical consultations and other forms of support for the children and their families.
The outreach was organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation, founded by the Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, as part of its humanitarian interventions for vulnerable persons across Delta State.
Speaking during the programme, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, said sustained support from government, businesses, non-governmental organisations and individuals would be necessary to expand assistance to children with special needs.
Ezenyili said the needs of children living with autism and disabilities went beyond medical treatment, requiring continued attention to education, assistive devices, rehabilitation and social inclusion.
He described the intervention as a practical response to the difficulties confronting families caring for children requiring additional support.
The council chairman urged corporate organisations, private-sector operators, community groups and individuals to partner with the Foundation and similar initiatives to reach more vulnerable families.
He said stronger cooperation among government institutions, charities and communities could improve access to essential services and create more opportunities for children with special needs to develop their abilities.
Addressing parents and caregivers, Deaconess Oborevwori urged families not to allow social stigma or negative comments to prevent them from seeking appropriate care and opportunities for their children.
She said children living with autism and other special needs deserved love, dignity, acceptance and inclusion.
“Parents, do not allow society’s misunderstanding or negative comments to make you feel ashamed of your child. There is a place for these wonderful children in our society,” she said.
The Governor’s wife also called for greater support for caregivers, noting that families caring for children with additional needs often face significant challenges.
“Let us lend a helping hand to these children and by extension, to their parents and caregivers,” she said.
She said the You Matter Charity Foundation might not be able to resolve every challenge faced by families, but would continue to provide assistance within its capacity.
“We may not have all the solutions to every challenge you face, but we want you to know that the You Matter Charity Foundation cares about you and is willing to stand with you in whatever little way we can,” she added.
Oborevwori disclosed that approximately 860 children had benefited from interventions by the Foundation, while adults and elderly people had also been reached through its broader humanitarian programmes.
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, commended the Foundation for directing attention to children with special needs.
Azinge described the intervention as an expression of compassion and urged individuals, organisations and local governments with the capacity to assist to support programmes targeted at vulnerable members of society.
He said initiatives of this nature could complement public healthcare efforts while helping families cope with the challenges associated with caring for children with special needs.
The outreach also involved other stakeholders from the constituency, including local government officials and community representatives.
The latest intervention formed part of the Foundation’s wider humanitarian activities aimed at providing healthcare, material assistance and other forms of support to vulnerable people in Delta State.
