… Awards full scholarship to four blind undergraduates
WIFE of Delta State Governor and Founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, yesterday, reaffirmed her commitment to improving the lives of persons with visual impairments through empowerment, education, and inclusion.
She gave the assurance during an outreach and donation of assistive devices and food items to the visually impaired, held at her office premises within Government House, Asaba.
Deaconess Oborevwori, who expressed delight in hosting the event, said the outreach was part of the Foundation’s continuous effort to support vulnerable groups and promote inclusiveness across the state.
According to her, the gesture was aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced by visually impaired persons, particularly in accessing education and livelihood opportunities.
In her words, “It gives me great joy to extend a hand of fellowship to the visually impaired through the You Matter Charity Foundation. We have worked closely with the Association of the Blind, and it has been a rewarding journey.
“ They are often treated as second-class citizens, but we are here to change that narrative. The power and potential of the visually impaired cannot be overestimated. Today, we are witnessing a shift as these individuals are expressing confidence, resilience, and moral courage.”
She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and urged those who have advanced in their studies to mentor younger members of the community.
Highlighting the donations made, Deaconess Oborevwori presented educational and supportive materials, including special laptops, to aid the learning and personal development of the beneficiaries. Foodstuffs comprising rice, garri, tubers of yam, cooking oil and several other items were also handed over to the over 180 beneficiaries.
She further announced an automatic full scholarship for four visually impaired undergraduates, pledging to personally take up their education. The beneficiaries announced include 23 year old Mezie Chinedu , a 300 level student of History and International Studies at the Nmamdi Azikiwe University; Beauty Ogenemaro first year student of Mass Communication at the University of Benin.
Others include Victoria Agbogun, a 200 level student of Language and Communication Art, Obafemi Awolow University and Stephen Ekevere, a 300 level student of Guidance and Counselling at Adejunke Ajasin University .
Earlier in the event, the Director-General of You Matter Charity Foundation, Barr. Lawrentta Ogbedo, commended the First Lady for her visionary leadership and compassion toward persons with disabilities.
She described the initiative as one of many life-changing programmes designed to promote equity and social inclusion in Delta State.
Barr. Ogbedo assured that the Foundation would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that no one, regardless of disability or background, is left behind.
Earlier, in an exhortation, Mrs. Nkechi Onianwa drew inspiration from 1 Peter 2:9, reminding the audience that every individual is created in God’s image and chosen for greatness. She urged the beneficiaries not to give up on themselves because “God will not give up on you.”
She encouraged them to trust in God’s unlimited power to fulfill their desires and to remain steadfast in faith, noting that “those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
The Chairman, Nigerian Association of the Blind, Delta State Chapter, Edison Edirin in his goodwill message, appreciated the wife of the Governor for always looking out for members of the community, affirming that she has always been there for them.
In appreciation, they presented gifts to her as a body, expressing how her humanitarian initiatives have made life better for them.
In separate goodwill messages, some of the beneficiaries, including Ekevere Irikefe Stephen, Victoria Agbogun, French Beauty Ogenemaro, and Mezie Chinedu, expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady and the You Matter Charity Foundation for their continuous support.
They described the gesture as a great encouragement that restores hope and confidence in their abilities. They also thanked the Foundation for recognizing their worth and creating opportunities for their personal and academic advancement.
According to them, the donations and scholarships will go a long way in easing their educational and daily challenges, while motivating them to aim higher despite their physical limitations.
