Delta gov’s wife donates 21 wheelchairs to children living with autism

Relief has come the way of a 27-year-old lady, Miss Ombe Egbaseimokum, who suddenly developed a hip disjoint, as wife of the Delta State governor and founder of You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori donated the sum of N5m for the hip replacement.

The first lady announced the financial support after listening to the medical condition of the lady, who required an urgent surgery, at the second round of free medical outreach of the foundation held in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.

“Today, I will transfer the money to you,” Oborevwori told the beneficiary, who also expressed deep appreciation at the event venue where 21 wheelchairs, physiotherapy toys and assistive educational devices were donated to children living with autism and other special needs.

One hundred and twenty bags of rice were donated to vulnerable households while free medical consultations, health screenings and treatment to hundreds of residents, including children with special needs, their caregivers, elderly persons and other members of the community were carried out.

Speaking at the event, Oborevwori said the programme was designed not only to provide healthcare but also to raise awareness about autism, promote inclusion and reduce the stigma associated with children living 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 by God and urged communities to embrace them rather than discriminate against them.

The governor’s wife noted that Burutu Federal Constituency is the fifth federal constituency to benefit from the You Matter Charity Foundation’s outreach programme after similar interventions in Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie, Ethiope, Ughelli/Udu and Isoko Federal Constituencies.

According to her, more than 520 children, alongside their caregivers and several elderly persons, have benefitted from the Foundation’s interventions across the state.

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She appealed to government agencies, healthcare professionals, faith-based organisations, development partners, corporate organisations and well-meaning Deltans to partner with the Foundation to expand support for vulnerable persons.

Oborevwori also urged parents and caregivers not to lose hope but to continue seeking early medical intervention, education and support for children living with special needs.

She condemned the practice of referring to children living with autism as “Ogbanje” or using other derogatory labels, insisting that such misconceptions must be eradicated.

The Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Julius Takeme, commended the First Lady for extending the outreach to riverine communities, describing the You Matter Charity Foundation as a people-centred initiative that has continued to impact vulnerable residents across Delta State.

Takeme said the Foundation’s activities complement the developmental efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration and urged well-meaning individuals and organisations to support its humanitarian interventions.

The medical outreach attracted healthcare professionals, traditional rulers, community leaders, caregivers and residents from communities across Burutu Federal Constituency.