Oshimili South Council Backs Autism Outreach, Urges Wider Support For Special-Needs Children
By GEORGETTE CHIDI
THE Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, has called for stronger public and private-sector support for children living with autism, disabilities and other special needs.
Ezenyili made the call during a free medical and welfare outreach organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation for children with special needs from the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
The outreach took place on 20 August 2026, at the Oshimili South Council Secretariat in Asaba.
Council Seeks Broader Partnerships
Ezenyili commended the Foundation for addressing the healthcare and welfare needs of vulnerable children.
He urged non-governmental organisations, businesses, captains of industry and individuals to complement government efforts by investing more in programmes for children with special needs.
According to him, sustained collaboration could create opportunities for the beneficiaries to develop their talents and participate more fully in society.
The council chairman also praised the founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, wife of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for championing the humanitarian intervention.
He encouraged other organisations and individuals to support the Foundation and similar initiatives.
160 Children Receive Assistance
A total of 160 children from the four local government areas that make up the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency benefited from the latest intervention.
The beneficiaries received medical and welfare assistance, including 40 wheelchairs, 160 bags of rice, smart boards and therapy toys.
The Foundation said its interventions have so far reached about 860 children, alongside adults and elderly people through its wider humanitarian programmes.
The scale of the intervention highlights the continuing demand for specialised healthcare, therapy, assistive devices and social support among families raising children with special needs.
Oborevwori Urges Families to Reject Stigma
Speaking to parents and caregivers, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori urged families not to allow social stigma or negative comments to make them ashamed of their children.
She stressed that every child deserved love, acceptance, dignity and a meaningful place in society.
“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.
She also appealed to communities and individuals to support parents and caregivers who often face additional financial, emotional and practical pressures.
Oborevwori acknowledged that the Foundation could not solve every problem confronting affected families but said it remained committed to providing assistance within its capacity.
Traditional, Legislative Support
The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, described the programme as an expression of compassion and commitment to humanity.
The monarch commended the Foundation for complementing government healthcare efforts and promoting greater inclusion for children with special needs.
He also urged local governments, organisations and individuals with the capacity to assist the Foundation to contribute to its work.
Similarly, the member representing Oshimili South in the relevant constituency, Bridget Anyafulu, appreciated the Foundation for identifying with vulnerable residents.
She said the intervention demonstrated that disadvantaged members of the community had not been forgotten.
Beyond One-Day Outreach
The intervention also draws attention to the broader challenge of sustaining support for children with autism and other disabilities.
While medical outreaches can provide immediate relief, families often require continuous therapy, education, assistive devices, healthcare and social protection.
The calls from the council chairman, the Foundation and traditional leadership therefore point to the need for a broader partnership involving government, charities, businesses and communities.
For Delta’s children with special needs, sustained support could determine whether assistance remains a one-off intervention or develops into a long-term pathway towards inclusion and independence.
