Gov. Okpebholo Warns Against Any Form Of Discrimination Against Autistic Children .... Afegbua

 

Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua has assured parents and guardians of autistic children that Governor Monday Okpebholo is very passionate about the well-being of autistic children and will not allow any form of discrimination against them.

Prince Afegbua emphasised this during an audience with students, parents, government officials, cycling coaches and other dignitaries at Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City during an event  to celebrate the achievement of an autistic artist and cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke who is currently riding from Enugu to Lagos .

The Commissioner said Governor Okpebholo is passionate and committed about autistic children in the State as his administration is doing everything to ensure autistic children live a better life and overcome challenges associated with the neuro-disorder.

He noted that the story of Kanyeyachukwu is one of determination and achievement, adding that Kanyeyachukwu carries the Edo spirit which believes in achieving anything set out to achieve.

"Autism is a Neuro developmental behavior. It's a disorder that has to do with the brain. This young man has already made the Guinness book of World record with the largest painting and is now riding to create awareness about autism.

"Don't give up no matter the situation you find yourself in, rather keep pushing as Kanyeyachukwu has done and today we are celebrating him for his achievements so far.

"The ride from Enugu to Edo State and heading to Lagos is a great achievement. Asaba to Benin City took him seven hours to achieve. This is a product of determination, showing great energy!".

Prince Afegbua appreciated and congratulated fellow cyclists riding with kanyeyachukwu to create awareness about autism including the coaches. "This awareness is important to create avenue for other autistic children to achieve success and greatness in life no matter the challenges.

"I appreciate his parents for not giving up on their son with special needs as they have nurtured him to enter the Guinness book of records. It's not easy to nurture children with special needs".

The Commissioner appreciated Governor Okpebholo for his developmental strides in the education sector as he has improved the physical environment which is now very conducive and secured for learning. 

"Schools across the State have been transformed not like what was obtainable in the past administration. In one and a half year, 73 schools across the state have been built, renovated rehabilitated and remodelled. These schools have all been well furnished".

Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr.  Cyril Oshiomhole congratulated Kanyeyachukwu for this achievements especially in creating awareness on autism and the need for collaboration to overcome the challenges.

He noted that autistic people see the world differently, they are not cursed or demonic but are special children who need special care.

"This event is organized to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu's achievement and also a forum to create awareness, enlightenment and educating children, parents, students and the public about autism.

"We must continue to sensitize ourselves and also enlighten ourselves on the need to take care of autistic children as they have talent to be developed in them like Kanyeyachukwu who have put Edo State on a global map following his achievements.

"Autistic children are special children with special talents that need to be tapped. Edo State is committed to ensure that autistic children are under the care of the State government".

The father of the autistic artist and cyclist said they are riding from Enugu -Anambra-Delta-Edo-Ondo-Ogun to Lagos, noting that the ride is to create awareness for autism.

He said they are backed on the journey by the top management of the cycling Federation of Nigeria with 22 international cyclists riding with them.

"Wherever we stop, we carry out diagnostics investigation on children to know if they have the disorder. On this journey, we have top medical personnel. We are doing this to contribute our quota to create awareness on autism as the Edo State government cannot do it alone.

"Autism is not a disease but a disorder and the public must understand that these children have learning and communication problems but don't laugh at them but support them. We celebrate governor Monday Okpebholo for he understands autism".

The Hall of Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub was filled to capacity with students from various schools across the State who converged  to receive and celebrate Kanyeyachukwu stop-over in Edo State enroute Lagos .

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Image
  The Edo State Government hereby notifies all Public Servants, Political Appointees, and Government Functionaries serving in any capacity within the Edo State Public Service that any officer who intends to contest for any elective position in the forthcoming electoral cycle must tender his or her resignation on or before 1st March, 2026, prior to participating in any party primaries or electoral process. This directive is issued in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, and is aimed at ensuring that all aspiring candidates do not run the risk of disqualification by the relevant electoral authorities. Government emphasizes that this requirement is intended to promote fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all aspirants, while also safeguarding the integrity and neutrality of public institutions. Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements. Al...
Read more

Gov Okpebholo Leads APC Delegation on Condolence Visit to Okao of Ologbo

Image
  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo led a high-powered delegation of government officials and party leaders on a condolence visit to the Okao of Ologbo, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, following the passing of his wife, Mrs. Mandaline Iyase. The visit, which drew prominent figures from the state’s political leadership, was marked by solemn reflections and words of comfort for the grieving family. Speaking during the visit, Governor Okpebholo said he came alongside key stakeholders, including the local government chairman and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to sympathize with Chief Iyase over the painful loss. The governor said, “I’m here with my local government chairman and other party leaders as a group to commiserate with you over the death of your wife. It is painful, but you have to bear it. No matter how much you cry, she will never come back. And I believe God will give you the heart to bear it,”  He encouraged the bereaved to remain strong and focus on...
Read more

2026 WORKERS’ DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE.

Image
Protocol  I am very delighted to join the hardworking men and women of Edo State on this special occasion of Workers’ Day 2026. Today, we celebrate the men and women whose daily efforts keep our state moving forward. From teachers to health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, and security personnel, you are the backbone of Edo’s progress. I thank you all. Let me also appreciate our labour leaders for their support and cooperation, which have sustained a cordial relationship between labour and government. Your constructive engagement has helped us focus on development. From the first day of this administration, workers’ welfare has remained a top priority. We have ensured prompt payment of salaries and sustained payment of the 13th month salary. A year ago, we approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 monthly because labour deserves decent reward. We have released the first tranche of ₦1 billion for payment of outstanding salary arrears to Ambrose Alli University. We have also ...
Read more