Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, wife of the Delta State Governor, has called on parents to end the practice of hiding children with special needs, describing it as harmful and rooted in ignorance.

She made the appeal during the launch of a free medical outreach for children with special needs and their caregivers in the Ughelli area on Friday, emphasizing that no child should be isolated or denied care, visibility, and affection.

The governor’s wife, founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, said the outreach was organized in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“I want to make a passionate appeal for an end to hiding children with special needs; the practice is harmful and stems from ignorance. Every child deserves love, dignity, and the chance to thrive. Autism and other developmental conditions are not spiritual problems or illnesses; they can be managed with understanding, compassion, and professional support,” she stated.

Oborevwori expressed concern over the stigma surrounding autism and other developmental disorders, noting that many children are denied education and medical care due to fear of judgment. She said the outreach aims to provide care, raise awareness, correct misconceptions, and encourage parents to seek early intervention, urging them to bring their children forward for support.

The First Lady reaffirmed her foundation’s commitment to advocating for children with special needs and called on families, community groups, and institutions to collaborate in creating a more inclusive Delta State.

The outreach featured medical check-ups, nutrition counseling, disability support services, and the distribution of wheelchairs, mobility aids, and learning tools to improve independence, healthcare access, and overall well-being for children with special needs.

During the programme, Dr. Ifeoma Udeh, Consultant Paediatrician at Asaba Specialist Hospital, highlighted that nearly 50% of Nigerian children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, citing economic pressures, poor feeding habits, and cultural beliefs as key factors. She emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early nutrition.

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

Across many Nigerian communities, children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions are often kept indoors due to stigma and misconceptions. Advocacy groups warn that this practice prevents thousands of children from accessing schooling, healthcare, and early-intervention programs essential for their development.

Delta State has made efforts in recent years to support persons with disabilities through targeted health and social initiatives, including free health insurance coverage for hundreds of persons with disabilities through the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, aimed at improving access to essential care.