The wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, has called on parents to end the practice of concealing children with special needs, describing it as harmful and “rooted in ignorance.”
Speaking at the launch of a free medical outreach for special-needs children and their caregivers in Ughelli on Friday, Oborevwori emphasized that no child should be “isolated or denied visibility, care, and affection.”
Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, she explained that the initiative was organised by her foundation in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
She said, “I want to make a passionate appeal for an end to the culture of hiding children with special needs; the practice is harmful and rooted in ignorance. No child should be isolated or denied visibility, care, and affection. It is not their fault. Every child deserves love, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.”
Highlighting misconceptions about autism, she added, “Autistic people are everyday people who live among us. Autism is not a spiritual problem or an illness looking for a cure. It is a condition that can be managed with understanding, compassion, and the right professional support.”
Oborevwori expressed concern about the stigma surrounding developmental conditions, noting that many children are often denied school and medical care due to fear of judgement. She stressed that the outreach aimed to provide medical support, raise awareness, dispel misinformation, and encourage parents to seek early help rather than hiding their children.
The First Lady reiterated her foundation’s commitment to advocating for children with special needs and called on families, community groups, and institutions to foster a more inclusive Delta State.
The outreach included medical check-ups, nutrition counselling, disability support, and the distribution of wheelchairs, mobility aids, and learning tools to enhance independence and well-being for children with special needs.
Dr Ifeoma Udeh, Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, warned that about 50 per cent of Nigerian children are micronutrient deficient, citing economic challenges, poor feeding practices, and cultural beliefs as key factors, while stressing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early nutrition.
Dr Bolum-Okolie Angela, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, echoed Oborevwori’s call, urging parents to prioritise education, healthcare, and emotional support for children with disabilities, noting that early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Despite these efforts, many Nigerian children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions are still kept indoors due to stigma and cultural misconceptions, causing them to miss schooling, healthcare, and early-intervention opportunities.
Delta State has recently taken steps to improve support for persons with disabilities, including providing free health insurance coverage through the Delta State Contributory Health Commission to enhance access to essential care.
