Deaconess Oborevwori donates 21 wheelchairs, funds ₦5m surgery in Burutu

The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has donated 21 wheelchairs, approved ₦5 million for a hip replacement surgery, distributed physiotherapy toys, assistive educational devices and 120 bags of rice during the Foundation’s second round of free medical outreach for children living with autism and other special needs in Burutu Federal Constituency.

The outreach, held on Thursday in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, also provided 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.

The First Lady announced the financial support after listening to the medical condition of 27-year-old Ombe Egbaseimokumo, who requires urgent hip replacement surgery.

“Today, I will transfer the money to you,” Oborevwori told the beneficiary.

The outreach also featured the presentation of 21 wheelchairs to persons living with mobility challenges, with about 90 per cent of the mobility aids allocated to adults and the remaining 10 per cent to children.

Physiotherapy toys and assistive educational devices were also presented to children with autism and other special needs to aid their therapy and learning, while 120 bags of rice were distributed to vulnerable households.

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.

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.