The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called for greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion of persons with autism, stressing the need for society to recognise their abilities, uphold their rights and create opportunities for them to thrive.
Onyekesi made the call on Saturday at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, during an autism awareness programme organised by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare with the theme, “Promoting Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion.”
She said the ministry remained committed to promoting the welfare, dignity and rights of vulnerable persons in the state, stressing that genuine inclusion begins with understanding and acceptance.
The commissioner also underscored the need to support families and caregivers while ensuring that persons with autism have opportunities to develop their abilities and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, families, schools, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in addressing the challenges faced by persons with autism and their caregivers.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, said every person possesses unique abilities and talents, stressing that autism should never be a reason for discrimination or exclusion.
Nkwoka reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that promote social welfare and inclusion at the grassroots, while commending Commissioner Onyekesi and the wife of the governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for their efforts in championing the welfare of vulnerable persons.
He said, “Today reminds us that every person has unique abilities, talents and potential. Autism should never be a reason for discrimination, isolation or exclusion. Instead, we must create an environment where persons with autism are understood, supported, respected and given the opportunity to thrive.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Anambra State chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, described persons with autism as differently able, stressing that they are not less human.
Okeke urged society to look beyond diagnosis and recognise the individual, noting that stigma remains one of the major barriers confronting persons with autism.
“Autism does not take away humanity. A person with autism can love. A person with autism can learn. A person with autism can create. A person with autism can contribute. And with the right support and opportunities, a person with autism can achieve remarkable things.” Okeke stated.
The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, conveyed her goodwill message and support for the inclusion initiative.
She highlighted the abilities of persons with autism and emphasised the need to build an inclusive society where they can participate meaningfully and enjoy equal opportunities.
The programme reinforced the message, “Different Abilities, Same Value, Equal Rights,” with the ministry urging stakeholders and the general public to move beyond awareness to practical acceptance, inclusion, support and empowerment of persons with autism across Anambra State.
The event ended with a renewed call on stakeholders to embrace the message of different abilities, same value and equal rights, and translate awareness into concrete actions that promote acceptance, inclusion and empowerment.
Items of empowerment, including school bags, were also distributed to participants.
I corrected the inconsistent pronouns in the section on the governor’s wife and removed the repeated concluding paragraph while retaining the key message and empowerment component.
