By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori
took centre stage in Ogwashi-Uku as she led a one-day free medical outreach for children with special needs and their caregivers across Delta North Senatorial District.
The outreach, held at Ani-Ishi Primary School in Aniocha South Local Government Area, was organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and tagged “Everybody is Somebody.”
The programme offered free medical check-ups, free medication, wheelchairs, assistive devices, health talks on caring for children with special needs, as well as awareness and acceptance sessions on autism.
Addressing parents and caregivers, Mrs. Oborevwori made a passionate appeal against stigma and harmful cultural beliefs surrounding children with disabilities.
“I am begging all parents and caregivers to take care of children with special needs and always bring them out. Stop hiding them inside. Allow them to come out,” she said.
“The children with special needs are not witchcraft. They are not Ogbanje. They are not children with water spirits. Please treat them well and show them love.”
She also disclosed that 100 learning tablets were donated to 100 special needs children by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside wheelchairs and other educational aids from additional donors. She commended the Commissioner for Health for supporting the initiative, including the provision of glasses for beneficiaries.
Mrs. Oborevwori further highlighted research indicating the importance of Vitamin B12 for children’s development and urged parents to seek proper medical guidance. She also encouraged residents to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing civic responsibility.
“PVC is very important. Without PVC you cannot vote. Go out and register so that you can vote,” she added.
In an emotional testimony, Mrs Kate Ajayi-Onomeregwa, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian mother, shared her personal experience of raising a special needs child for 17 years.
“As part of giving back to society, I have passion for what I am doing. It is a ministry ordained by God. I was there before and I came out of it, so I know what it means twice,” she said.
According to her, caring for a child with special needs requires the dedication of both parents.
“Taking care of children with special needs is a ministry on its own. Both father and mother must dedicate their time. It is not easy for only one person to carry the responsibility,” she stated.
Mrs. Ajayi debunked myths often associated with such children, insisting they deserve love and acceptance.
“They are not witchcraft. They are not mummy water spirits. They are not Ogbanje. They are human beings like you who deserve love,” she stressed.
In his welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of Aniocha South LGA, Hon. (Pst.) Jude Chukwunwike, thanked the First Lady for choosing the council area out of the nine LGAs in Delta North.
“Your visit is not only an honour to us, but a testament to your compassion, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our people,” he said, describing the children as special gifts who deserve dignity, quality healthcare and equal opportunities.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described the outreach as more than a routine medical exercise.
“Today’s free medical outreach isn’t just about check-ups and screenings; it is about showing children with special needs that they matter, they are valued and loved,” he said.
He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved a N2 billion equity plan to provide free healthcare services for under-five children and expectant mothers in the state.
Also speaking, Director-General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr. Lawrentta Ogbedo, reassured families of continued support.
“Today’s outreach is not just about providing medical treatment. It is about showing care, giving hope and reminding every family here that they are not alone,” she said.
Earlier, Dr. Akpowaye Akpomiemie explained that beneficiaries received anti-malarial drugs, anti-diarrhoeal agents, treatments for upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, chest infections, anti-helminthics and medications for skin infections.
Consultant paediatricians and specialists from Asaba Specialist Hospital attended to the children, while food items, wheelchairs and assistive devices were distributed to families drawn from across Delta North.
The event reinforced the commitment of the You Matter Charity Foundation to improving the lives of children with special needs across Delta Central, Delta South and Delta North Senatorial Districts.