Okpebholo makes promise to protect autistic children from discrimination

By Imelda Osayande

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo says his administration remains fully committed to protecting autistic children from stigmatisation and discrimination in the state.

Okpebholo said this in Benin, on Thursday, during the celebration of the achievements of an autistic artist and cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who is currently riding from Enugu to Lagos to raise autism awareness.

Tagbo-Okeke holds a Guinness World Record for the largest painting.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, assured parents and guardians of autistic children that he would not tolerate any form of discrimination against them.

He thanked Tagbo-Okeke’s parents for helping to nurture his talent.

He also lauded the athletes determination and what he described as the “Edo spirit of don’t give up, no matter the situation you find yourself in, rather keep pushing”.

“Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It’s a disorder that has to do with the brain. This young man has already made the Guinness World Record for the largest painting and is now riding to create awareness about autism,” he said.

He noted that Tagbo-Okeke’s story is one of determination and achievement, adding that he carries the Edo spirit, which believes in achieving anything one sets out to achieve.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, said that “autistic individuals are special children, who need care, and not curses or stigma”.

“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, rather, support them,” he said