By AUGUSTINA McSOLOMON-OGHAKPERUO

Oborevwori’s Wife Empowers Burutu Families, Donates 21 Wheelchairs, Funds ₦5m Hip Surgery

THE second round of the You Matter Charity Foundation’s free medical outreach in Burutu Federal Constituency has combined healthcare, disability support and humanitarian assistance, with Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori approving ₦5 million for a beneficiary requiring urgent hip replacement surgery.

The outreach, held in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, also saw the distribution of 21 wheelchairs, physiotherapy toys, assistive educational devices and 120 bags of rice to vulnerable residents.

Medical Support Beyond Consultation

The programme provided free medical consultations, health screenings and treatment to hundreds of residents.

Children living with autism and other special needs were among the beneficiaries. Their caregivers, elderly residents and other members of the community also received attention.

One of the most significant interventions came after Deaconess Oborevwori listened to the case of 27-year-old Ombe Egbaseimokumo, who requires hip replacement surgery.

After hearing the medical situation, the founder of the foundation approved ₦5 million towards the procedure.

“Today, I will transfer the money to you,” she told the beneficiary.

The intervention turned what could have remained a routine medical outreach into a direct response to an urgent individual healthcare need.

Wheelchairs & Assistive Devices Distributed

The foundation also presented 21 wheelchairs to people living with mobility challenges.

About 90 per cent of the wheelchairs went to adults, while children received the remaining 10 per cent.

The organisers also distributed physiotherapy toys and assistive educational devices to children with autism and other special needs.

The materials are intended to support therapy, learning and daily participation for children who require specialised assistance.

Another 120 bags of rice went to vulnerable households, extending the intervention beyond healthcare to immediate household welfare.

Tackling Autism Stigma

For Deaconess Oborevwori, the outreach is not solely about treating illnesses.

She said the programme was also designed to raise awareness about autism, promote inclusion and challenge the stigma surrounding children with special needs.

“Our presence here goes beyond providing medical care. This initiative is holistic in nature, aimed at raising awareness, promoting inclusion and breaking the stigma often associated with autism and other special needs,” she said.

She described children living with autism and other special needs as uniquely gifted and urged communities to treat them with dignity rather than discrimination.

She specifically condemned the practice of labelling children living with autism as “Ogbanje” or attaching other derogatory descriptions to them.

Such beliefs, she argued, can prevent families from seeking appropriate medical, educational and developmental support.

Five Federal Constituencies Reached

The Burutu intervention represents the fifth federal constituency reached by the You Matter Charity Foundation.

Earlier programmes were held in Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie, Ethiope, Ughelli/Udu and Isoko Federal Constituencies.

According to the foundation, more than 520 children, alongside their caregivers and several elderly persons, have benefited from its interventions across Delta State.

The growing reach of the programme reflects an attempt to combine healthcare delivery with longer-term advocacy for vulnerable groups.

Call for Wider Partnerships

Deaconess Oborevwori appealed to government agencies, healthcare professionals, faith-based organisations, development partners, corporate organisations and individuals to support the foundation’s work.

She said wider partnerships would allow more vulnerable residents to benefit from medical and social interventions.

She also urged parents and caregivers of children with special needs to remain hopeful and seek early medical intervention, education and other forms of support.

The emphasis on early intervention reflects the broader objective of helping families manage special needs through informed care rather than stigma or isolation.

Burutu Community Welcomes Intervention

Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Julius Takeme, commended the foundation for extending its activities to the riverine constituency.

He described the initiative as people-centred and said it had continued to provide practical support to vulnerable residents across Delta State.

Takeme said the foundation’s interventions complemented the developmental efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

He also called on individuals and organisations to support humanitarian initiatives targeted at disadvantaged communities.

The outreach brought together healthcare professionals, traditional rulers, community leaders, caregivers and residents from different parts of Burutu Federal Constituency.

At its core, the intervention presented a model of community support that links medical care with mobility assistance, household relief, disability inclusion and public education—areas that often determine whether vulnerable people can participate fully in society.