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ASABA – The First Lady of Delta State and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has extended the Foundation’s free medical outreach to riverine communities with the second round of its medical outreach programme held in Burutu Federal Constituency.
The outreach, held on Thursday in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, brought together children living with autism and other special needs, their caregivers, elderly persons and hundreds of other residents who benefited from free medical consultations, health screenings, medications and other humanitarian interventions.
As part of the programme, the Foundation donated 21 wheelchairs to persons living with mobility challenges, with about 90 per cent allocated to adults and 10 per cent to children.
Children with autism and other developmental conditions also received physiotherapy toys and assistive educational devices to aid their learning and rehabilitation, while 120 bags of rice were distributed to vulnerable households.
The event became more emotional when Deaconess Oborevwori approved ₦5 million for the hip replacement surgery of Ombe Egbaseimokumo, a 27-year-old woman who appealed for financial assistance.
After listening to her story, the First Lady assured her that the Foundation would fully support the procedure. “Today, I will transfer the money to you,” she said.
Addressing beneficiaries, Oborevwori said the outreach represented more than a healthcare intervention, explaining that it was designed to promote inclusion, create awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with autism and other special needs.
She described children living with autism as special gifts from God who deserve love, acceptance and equal opportunities.
“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.
The First Lady noted that Burutu Federal Constituency is the fifth federal constituency to benefit from the You Matter Charity Foundation’s outreach after similar programmes in Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie, Ethiope, Ughelli/Udu and Isoko Federal Constituencies.
According to her, more than 520 children, alongside their caregivers and elderly persons, have so far benefited from the Foundation’s interventions across the state.
She called on government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners, corporate organisations and well-meaning Deltans to support the Foundation’s humanitarian efforts to ensure more vulnerable people receive the care they deserve.
Oborevwori also urged parents and caregivers not to lose hope, encouraging them to continue seeking early medical intervention and educational support for children living with special needs.
She condemned the practice of using derogatory labels on children living with autism, insisting that such misconceptions must end.
“They deserve our love, care, acceptance and support. Stigma and discrimination have no place in our society,” she added.
Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Julius Takeme, commended the First Lady for taking the outreach to the riverine communities, describing the You Matter Charity Foundation as a genuine humanitarian initiative that continues to improve the lives of vulnerable Deltans.
Takeme urged well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and development partners to partner with the Foundation in expanding its interventions across the state.
The outreach attracted healthcare professionals, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents from communities across Burutu Federal Constituency, many of whom expressed appreciation for what they described as a life-changing intervention.
