By Stella Anekwe
Anambra State has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2026 World Autism Day with a call for greater acceptance, inclusion and support for persons living with autism. The event, organised by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, was held on Sept. 27, at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, urged members of the public to shun discrimination, rejection and stigmatisation against persons living with autism.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the governor’s wife called on individuals and communities to show greater love, care and understanding to persons with autism, noting that they possess unique abilities that should be recognised and nurtured.
She stressed the need to protect the rights, opportunities and privileges of persons living with autism, while commending the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare for collaborating with the Ministry of Health to promote their wellbeing and inclusion in government programmes.
In her remarks, the commissioner, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, urged the public to move beyond mere awareness of autism to practical acceptance, inclusion, support and empowerment of persons living with the condition.
Onyekesi said there was a need to create more opportunities for persons with autism to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. She described the 2026 theme, “Promoting Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion,” as apt, noting that it reinforces the message that persons with autism have different abilities but deserve the same value, equal rights and opportunities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of her ministry to promoting the welfare, dignity and rights of vulnerable persons in the state, while calling for better understanding of autism and increased support for affected families and caregivers.
She also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, families, schools, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by persons with autism and their caregivers.
The Chairman of the occasion and Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, appealed to local government chairmen across the state to give greater attention to persons with autism and ensure that government benefits and interventions reach them in communities across the state.
The celebration also featured music, dancing and other activities, while persons living with autism received gift packages from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare as part of the event.
Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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