By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) has called for strengthened national awareness, early diagnosis, and inclusive support systems for persons on the autism spectrum.
NAFOWA National President, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a commemorative walk and awareness programme marking the 2026 World Autism Awareness Month.
The theme for the NAFOWA walk is ”Wings of Inclusion: NAFOWA Walks for Autism”.
Aneke said autism should not be viewed as a limitation, but a different way of experiencing the world, noting that every child possessed unique strengths and potentials that must be nurtured.
She urged Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity with empathy, understanding, and compassion towards persons living with autism.
The NAFOWA President expressed concern over persistent challenges faced by individuals and families affected by autism, including stigma, misunderstanding, and delayed diagnosis, stressing the need for sustained public enlightenment.
”Autism is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing the world. Each child has unique strength, perspective and potential that deserves to be nurtured and appreciated.
“Awareness campaigns such as this walk are critical to dismantling misconceptions and promoting acceptance through education and advocacy,” she said.
Aneke further explained that the initiative was designed to promote inclusion, encourage early diagnosis, and strengthen support systems that would enable children with autism to thrive.
She also commended the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) for its commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Our awareness walk symbolises progress, solidarity, and a united voice for inclusion. It is a reminder that building an inclusive society is a shared responsibility,” she added.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr Ayuba Gufwan, commended NAFOWA for the initiative, describing it as timely, inclusive, and impactful.
Gufwan represented by Mr Gurumyen Carlous, Director, General Services, NCPWD, said that the commission fully identified with the programme.
“We are here to partner with you and identify with this wonderful initiative,” he said.
He noted that autism and other forms of disability could affect anyone, stressing that persons with disabilities remained an integral part of society and deserved equal attention, care, and recognition.
Citing global estimates, Gufwan said more than 1.3 billion persons lived with disabilities worldwide, while Nigeria had more than 35 million persons with disabilities, including more than 400,000 children on the autism spectrum.
He described the figures as significant, urging stronger collective action to improve access to care, inclusion, and support services.
The executive secretary also praised NAFOWA for its leadership in advocacy, noting that such initiatives helped in breaking stigma and promoting public understanding.
He announced the donation of 10 medical wheelchairs by the commission for children with autism under NAFOWA’s care, as part of efforts to support mobility and inclusion.
“From today, whenever you are putting together initiatives like this, please carry us along. We do not want to leave anyone behind,” he added.
In a deeply emotional testimony, the Supervisor of NAFOWA Special Needs School, Mrs Sembe Olarenwaju, shared her personal journey as a mother of a child with autism, describing her son, Reuben, as a source of purpose, strength, and renewed faith.
Olarenwaju said her son had transformed her outlook on life, motherhood, and love, while also giving her renewed empathy and determination to advocate for children with special needs.
She urged mothers not to live in denial or fear, but to embrace their journeys with courage and acceptance, stressing that no parent was responsible for their child’s condition.
“Reuben is the reason why I wake up every day determined to change the narrative. He is the reason I have found purpose, empathy, love and even God.
“I want to tell every mother out there—you didn’t do anything wrong. It is okay to cry, it is okay to struggle, but do not hide your children. It is a journey,” she said.
Olarenwaju further called on families and society to create safe, loving environments for children with special needs, noting that “love is the wings upon which they grow and thrive”.
She urged greater societal awareness and kindness, calling for reduced stigma and stronger community support for children who are different.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
