Bring Them Out, Show Them Love, Tobore Oborevwori, UK-based Nurse Urge Parents at Delta North Special Needs Outreach

By Chucks Nwokoro

It was a day of tears, hope and renewed confidence in Ogwashi-Uku as the Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, led an awareness and free medical outreach campaign for children with special needs across Delta North Senatorial District.

Speaking passionately to parents and caregivers at Ani-Ishi Primary School, venue of the outreach, Mrs. Oborevwori urged families to stop hiding their children because of cultural myths and social stigma.

“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 emotionally.

“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.”

The outreach, tagged “Everybody is Somebody,” was organised by the You Matter Charity Foundation in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health. It provided free medical check-ups, medications, wheelchairs, assistive devices, health talks and autism awareness sessions for families drawn from the nine local government areas in Delta North.

In a deeply moving testimony, United Kingdom-based Nigerian mother and autism advocate, Mrs. Kate Ajayi-Onomeregwa, shared her 17-year journey of raising a child with special needs, describing it as a divine assignment that demands the commitment 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 said.

“They are not witchcraft. They are not mummy water spirits. They are not Ogbanje. They are human beings like you who deserve love.”

Mrs. Ajayi-Onomeregwa, a Registered Nurse and Director at Shine Through Autism in the United Kingdom, said her advocacy is driven by personal experience and professional training.

“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 added.

Mrs. Oborevwori disclosed that 100 learning tablets were donated to 100 special needs children by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside wheelchairs and educational materials from other donors. She commended the Delta State Commissioner for Health for supporting the initiative, including the provision of glasses for beneficiaries.

Highlighting the importance of proper medical care, she encouraged parents to seek professional advice, noting research on the role of Vitamin B12 in children’s development.

She also used the opportunity to stress civic responsibility. “PVC is very important. Without PVC you cannot vote. Go out and register so that you can vote,” she urged.

In his welcome address, Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Hon. (Pst.) Jude Chukwunwike, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for choosing the council area.

“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.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described the programme as more than routine medical care.

“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 stated, adding 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.

Director-General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr. Lawrentta Ogbedo, reassured families of continued support, stressing that the initiative was built on care, hope and inclusion.

Medical Coordinator, Dr. Akpowaye Akpomiemie, explained that beneficiaries received treatments for malaria, diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, chest infections, intestinal worms and skin infections, while consultant paediatricians from Asaba Specialist Hospital attended to the children.

For many families, the day was more than medical intervention, it was a public declaration that their children matter. Amid smiles, prayers and distribution of food items and assistive devices, the message echoed clearly across Delta North: every child deserves love, dignity and a place in society.