Delta First Lady Warns Against Hiding Children With Special Needs

The wife of Delta State governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has warned against the culture of hiding children with special needs, describing the practice as harmful and rooted in ignorance.

Tobore, who is the founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, stated this during the flag-off of a free medical outreach for special-needs children and their caregivers in Ughelli, Delta Central, emphasising that no child should be isolated or denied visibility, care and affection.

The outreach organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, featured donation of free medication, wheelchairs, and a wide range of assistive and educational devices to beneficiaries.

Also, there were medical check-ups, nutrition counselling, disability support services, and distribution of mobility and learning tools designed to enhance independence, access to care and overall wellbeing.

Speaking to parents and caregivers at the event, Deaconess Oborevwori appealed for an end to the culture, stating that the state-wide medical outreach was designed not only to provide care but also to raise awareness, confront misinformation, and encourage parents to seek early help.

While urging mothers to show courage by bringing their children forward for support rather than hiding them, she reiterated her foundation’s commitment to advocating for children with special needs and called on families, community groups, and institutions to work together in building a more inclusive Delta State.

“It is not their fault. Every child deserves love, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive,”she said.

She expressed deep concern over the widespread stigma surrounding Autism and other developmental conditions, noting that many children are kept away from school and medical care due to fear of judgement.

“Autistic people are everyday people who live among us. Autism is not a spiritual problem or an illness looking for a cure. It is a condition that can be managed with understanding, compassion, and the right professional support,” she explained.

Delivering a health talk during the programme, Dr. Ifeoma Udeh, a Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, warned that about 50 per cent of Nigerian children are micronutrient deficient, citing economic pressure, poor feeding choices, and cultural beliefs as major contributors.

She stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early nutrition.

Similarly, Dr. Bolum-Okolie Angela, a Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, echoed the First Lady’s message and urged parents to prioritize education, healthcare, and emotional support for children living with disabilities, noting that early intervention significantly improves long-term outcomes.

Medical personnel were on ground to conduct examinations and offer professional guidance, as the outreach continued the foundation’s mission of bringing hope, visibility, and essential support to children with special needs across Delta state.