ASABA/Nigeria: Wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has offered full scholarships, empowerment materials and food support to visually impaired residents of the state during the foundation’s outreach programme, “Mission to the Visually Impaired,” held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Asaba.
Addressing beneficiaries, Deaconess Oborevwori said the initiative was designed to show love and strengthen inclusivity by promoting education, independence and dignity among the visually impaired. She noted that the You Matter Charity Foundation has consistently supported children with autism, special needs and visual impairment with learning and vocational tools aimed at boosting their confidence and academic progress.
She stressed the need for society to abandon harmful stereotypes and embrace the intelligence and potential of the visually impaired. “Too often, the visually impaired are regarded as lesser members of society, denied access to quality education, and sometimes treated as second-class citizens. But today, we are here to change that narrative,” she stated.
The First Lady encouraged students living with visual impairment to commit to excellence and urged parents to remain hopeful about their children’s future. “The visually impaired have a special place in God’s creation and deserve every opportunity to thrive. Let us work with them by sharing knowledge, fighting poverty, and opening doors of opportunity,” she said.
As part of the outreach, Deaconess Oborevwori distributed laptop computers with screen readers, Braille papers, slates and stylus, talking calculators, tactile learning sets, digital audio recorders, talking watches and clocks, and other assistive gadgets to enhance their daily learning and independence. She also donated 120 bags of rice, 100 tubers of yam, palm oil, garri, noodles, salt, custard and other household provisions to beneficiaries and their families.
Additionally, four visually impaired university students received full scholarships covering tuition and academic needs throughout their studies. The First Lady described education as a leveller and a pathway to empowerment, urging the recipients to pursue excellence with determination.
Commending the Association of the Blind for its organisation and resilience, Deaconess Oborevwori expressed optimism that the engagement would rekindle confidence and purpose among its members. She closed the event with words of encouragement from 3 John 1:2, reminding the beneficiaries that physical limitations do not define their destiny. “Though your physical sight may be limited, your vision of hope brings light and happiness to the world. Do not be discouraged; keep striving for the best,” she prayed.
Earlier, the Director General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, described the outreach as another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to inclusion and social justice. “The visually impaired are part of our community, and this initiative is our mother’s contribution to bridging the gap and ensuring no one is left behind. Food symbolizes love and care, and today we reaffirm that you are seen, valued, and loved,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Angela Ekure, a visually impaired broadcaster with the Delta State Broadcasting Service, expressed profound gratitude to the governor’s wife. She described the gesture as historic, noting that it was the first time the visually impaired community in Delta State had received such meaningful attention from a First Lady, adding that the scholarships and donations would significantly ease their academic and financial burdens.
