Autism: Awareness not sufficient, says Oborevwori’s wife as she cares, supports autistic children in Delta

You Matter Charity Foundation in Delta State has again demonstrated that everybody is somebody and that every life has value, as it joined the world to celebrate and support children living with autism in the state.

The Foundation and its members alongside some prominent persons, celebrities and entertainers, Thursday, embarked on 4km walk to Government House, Asaba to create awareness on autism.

Tobore Oborevwori, wife of Delta State Governor and founder of the life-transforming foundation, declared that creating awareness alone was not enough, as she cared for and donated learning aids materials, smart android tablets, choice toys and gift items to autistic children who gathered at the Government House, Asaba to mark the day. In fact, the Foundation made them feel great and amazing notwithstanding their challenges.

“The event provided opportunity for the autistic children to perform and entertain guests just as the young adult living with autism made various presentations.”

Oborevwori explained that many individuals with autism have continued to face challenges ranging from societal misunderstanding and stigma to limited access to quality care, education, and supports systems.

She said that the World Autism Day served as a reminder that awareness alone is not sufficient and stressed the need for deliberate action towards inclusion, support and meaningful engagement.

She called on stakeholders, parents, and caregivers on the need to celebrate and support children living with autism and other special needs to enable them attain their full potentials.

For her, the year’s theme, ‘Autism with Humanity: Every Life Has Value,’ was about the acceptance, inclusion, and the empowerment of every child in society.

She described the theme as timely and deeply significant as it underscored the dignity and inherent worth of every individual living with autism.

“Every child on the autism spectrum possesses unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that enrich society,” she stressed, and called for greater acceptance, inclusion, and equal rights beyond limitations.

She continued her advocacy, stating that autism is neither a spiritual condition nor a limitation, but a different way of experiencing the world that can be managed with early intervention, specialised care, understanding, and unconditional love.

Lady Oborevwori affirmed that her organisation remained committed to addressing these challenges by providing hope, creating enabling environments, and supporting vulnerable individuals and their families.

She said that although awareness about autism remained relatively low in many communities, the foundation has intensified efforts across the state through school visits, medical outreaches, and the distribution of learning aids.

She appreciated parents, caregivers, partners, and supporters for their dedication and assured that their labour of love will not go unrewarded, while encouraging collective action to build a more inclusive society where individuals with autism could thrive and express themselves freely.

Goodwill messages from various speakers pointed at the unique potential and value of each child living with autism and emphasised that differences are strengths rather than limitations.

Hence, they encouraged the society to provide opportunities for children to grow at their own pace with patience, support, and love.

Kingsley Ashibogwu, commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, lauded the You Matter Founder for her support for the children living with autism.

He assured that the new Federal Government curriculum would be domesticated in the state to include provisions designed to meet the unique needs of children with special needs.

Abinoma Debbie Omomizee, representing teachers and caregivers, advocated for the inclusion of both verbal and non-verbal children in diverse activities, stressing the importance of consistent encouragement to help the children realise their talents.

Adding her voice, Ekama Egomioan, a parent said that acceptance is the first step toward progress, noting that the home remains the foundation for nurturing confidence and growth.

Patience Ozokwor, popular Nollywood actress and entertainer, while speaking on behalf of the actors and actresses present, called for sustained support for children living with autism, urging parents and caregivers to remain patient and intentional while allowing the children to develop at their own pace.

Also, featured at the event was the induction of Ambassadors for Autism Awareness by the foundation. The ambassadors have the mandate to drum awareness of autism: acceptance, inclusion in education, healthcare and the society.