- Says It’s Not Spiritual Attack
BY EVELYN ZORZOR
Giving voice to the global call for greater care of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, wife of Delta State Governor, Deaconness Tobore Oborevwori has warned that people should desist from seeing autism as a spiritual attack.
The First Lady, represented by the wife of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Tomiebi Guwor spoke, yesterday, while celebrating the 2025 Autism Awareness Day at Madonna Inclusive School for Youngsters and Children with Special Needs, Okpanam. She said special centres will be established across the state to cater to their needs.
In her words “Autism is not a spiritual attack, rather it is a health challenge that can be managed with special care by physicians and the show of unconditional love by parents and caregivers.
“The awareness of Autism may be low in this part of the world, but the You Matter Charity Foundation is committed to giving it a voice”. The wife of the Governor emphasized that her foundation would go over and beyond to ensure that children with special needs have the needed opportunity to thrive.
According to her, “In addition to raising awareness, we plan to establish centres across the state to provide specialized care for children with autism, Down syndrome and those with related challenges ensuring that they have access to quality education and healthcare without any hindrance.
“With the support of donor agencies, partners, and volunteers, we will empower caregivers with the necessary resources to enhance the lives of my wonderful children.
“Under the MORE Agenda of my dear husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, individuals living with disabilities will receive special attention and protection.
“Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. We believe that everyone deserves respect and equal opportunities, regardless of their health or social status.
“Stigmatization against people facing challenges of any kind must be condemned by all means”, she emphasized.
The First Lady went ahead to appreciate the teachers and caregivers at Madonna Special School for adding value to the lives of the children and called on well meaning Deltans to join her foundation in creating a world of possibilities where “autistic individuals can express themselves freely”.
In her goodwill message, the Executive Director of You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr Omo Oborevwori extended her appreciation to the school management for job well done in caring for the children.
The Principal of the School, Sister Christy Ikechi, in her welcome address said the special school, founded in 1996, catered for over 230 children with various needs, including hearing and speaking impairments, physical impairments and learning difficulties. She listed that top of the challenges being faced by the school include the absence of specialized teachers and basic amenities like power generating set, among others and called for support.
In her pep talk earlier in the event, Dr Theresa Ogholaja explained that even though autism spectrum disorder did not have medical cure, early detection goes a long way in helping to care for them.
