From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Head of Service, HoS, Mr Reginald Bayoko, yesterday, led civil servants to the streets to raise awareness about autism and the importance of supporting children with the disorder.
Addressing civil servants who came out en-masse in solidarity with the awareness road walk that started from Chike Edozien Secretariat Complex, the outgoing head of service called for strategic policies targeted at helping children with special needs.
Bayoko said autistic children are not different from other children but just have a different configuration.
He said as a proud father of an autistic daughter, he could confidently say that children with autism are a blessing in disguise, adding that his daughter had been his greatest teacher, showing him the true meaning of patience, empathy and unconditional love.
The HoS noted that his daughter’s unique perspective had enriched his family and encouraged them to become more understanding and compassionate individuals.
‘’Autism is not a sickness; it is not a curse. It is just a child who has been configured differently and God does not make a mistake.
“He is the one who created all humans and if he created that (autism), it means that he has a purpose for the individual to serve,’’ Bayoko said.
Speaking to journalists, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and the Head of Service designate, Dr Minnie Oseji called for more action towards giving the necessary attention to children with special needs, even as she urged schools to design measures to help children living with autism.
Also speaking, the Director of Elim-Bridge Autism and Neuro-developmental Foundation, Dr Chris Chijioke advocated for a culture of love and acceptance in breaking the barrier of misunderstandings and stereotypes that could lead to stigmatisation and isolation of children suffering from autism.
Others who spoke include the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr Karo Ovemeso; immediate past Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Patrick Ojeblenu, and the State Chairman of the Association of Education Officers, Comrade Jemijere Unuigbe.
The autism awareness road walk was organised in honour of the outgoing head of service and part of the weeklong activities lined up to celebrate his remarkable career and retirement from the Delta State Public Service on March 29.
