Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the Delta State Governor and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, on Thursday intensified her campaign to end stigma against children living with autism and special needs.
Speaking at the foundation’s fourth free medical outreach in Ozoro, Isoko Federal Constituency, Oborevwori highlighted the need for acceptance, inclusion and improved support for vulnerable children.
The outreach was held at the Isoko North Local Government Council Secretariat in Ozoro, where beneficiaries received medical services, medications, counselling and essential assistive materials.
She said the initiative was designed not only to provide healthcare support but also to challenge the discrimination and stigma associated with autism and other special needs conditions.
“Children living with autism and other special needs are uniquely gifted. They deserve to be embraced, protected and given every opportunity to realise their God-given potential,” she said.
Oborevwori explained that the foundation was established to restore hope to vulnerable persons through compassionate interventions aimed at improving their well-being and quality of life.
She noted that beneficiaries received free consultations, health screenings, medications, specialist care, counselling services and assistive materials, and assured that the foundation remains committed to supporting every child.
The Isoko outreach was the fourth edition, following successful programmes in Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie, Ethiope and Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituencies. More than 400 children, caregivers and other beneficiaries have so far benefited from the initiative, she said, while acknowledging that many families still need additional support.
“Caring for children with special needs is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, communities, faith-based organisations, the private sector and well-meaning individuals,” she added.
She thanked local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, development partners, volunteers and caregivers for supporting the outreach and ensuring its successful implementation.
Oborevwori also commended the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, officials of the ministry and medical personnel for their dedication to improving healthcare access.
In his remarks, Onojaeme lauded the governor’s wife for her commitment to improving the lives of children living with autism and other special needs through the foundation’s humanitarian interventions. He described the outreach as a timely initiative that complements the government’s healthcare efforts, adding that it has provided relief, medical support and renewed hope to several families.
Earlier, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach demonstrated the founder’s compassion and humanitarian vision. She noted that the foundation had distributed interactive boards, educational toys, flashcards, therapy balls and other learning materials, alongside 69 wheelchairs and mobility devices. More than 270 bags of rice and other food items were also distributed to vulnerable families as part of the foundation’s welfare support programmes.
The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Mr Prince Ogorugba, described the outreach as a historic humanitarian intervention supporting families across the Isoko Federal Constituency. He said the initiative demonstrated that every child matters, every life is precious, and every family deserves hope, care and support.
Ogorugba commended Oborevwori’s humanitarian efforts across the state and praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda for promoting inclusive governance and citizens’ welfare.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the governor’s wife, while caregivers highlighted the physical, emotional and financial relief provided through the foundation’s medical outreach.
