Oshimili South Chairman Hails You Matter Charity Foundation, Calls for More Support for Children With Autism

The Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, has commended the You Matter Charity Foundation for its intervention in the lives of children with autism and other special needs.

Ezenyili made the commendation during the Foundation’s free medical outreach for children with autism and other special needs from Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, held on August 20, 2026, at the council secretariat in Asaba.

The council chairman called for greater support from non-governmental organisations, private sector operators, captains of industry and well-meaning individuals to improve the welfare and healthcare of children living with autism, disabilities and other special needs.

He said stronger partnerships among government, private organisations and community stakeholders would create more opportunities for children with special needs, help develop their talents and promote greater inclusion in society.

Ezenyili particularly commended the Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation and wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for what he described as a compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable children and their families.

He urged more organisations and individuals to partner with the Foundation and similar initiatives to expand assistance to children with special needs.

At the event, Oborevwori urged parents and caregivers not to allow societal stigma, negative comments or misunderstanding to make them ashamed of raising children with autism and other special needs.

Addressing families and caregivers, the governor’s wife said every child deserved love, acceptance, dignity and a place in society regardless of the challenges they faced.

“Parents, do not allow society’s misunderstanding or negative comments to make you feel ashamed of your child. There is a place for these wonderful children in our society,” she said.

Oborevwori also appealed to individuals and communities to support both children with special needs and their parents and caregivers, noting that families often face considerable challenges in providing the additional care required.

“Let us lend a helping hand to these children and by extension, to their parents and caregivers,” she said.

She explained that while the You Matter Charity Foundation might not have solutions to every challenge confronting families, it remained committed to supporting them within its capacity.

“We may not have all the solutions to every challenge you face, but we want you to know that the You Matter Charity Foundation cares about you and is willing to stand with you in whatever little way we can,” she added.

Oborevwori disclosed that about 860 children had so far benefited from the Foundation’s interventions, in addition to adults and elderly people reached through its humanitarian programmes.

A total of 160 children with special needs from the four local government areas that make up Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency benefited from the latest outreach.

The beneficiaries received medical and welfare support, including 40 wheelchairs, 160 bags of rice, smart boards and therapy toys.

The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, described the outreach as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to humanity.

Azinge commended Oborevwori for complementing government efforts in healthcare and promoting inclusion for children with special needs.

The monarch also called on local governments, individuals and organisations with the capacity to support the Foundation’s work to contribute to its efforts.

Also speaking, the member representing Oshimili South, Bridget Anyafulu, expressed appreciation to the You Matter Charity Foundation for recognising the needs of vulnerable residents.

She said the intervention demonstrated that poor and vulnerable members of the community had not been forgotten.

The outreach highlighted the need for sustained collaboration among government, charities, the private sector and communities to improve healthcare, social support and opportunities for children with autism and other special needs in Delta State.