The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has expressed readiness to strengthen advocacy and explore targeted interventions to improve the welfare and access to essential services for children with autism and other special needs.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, stated this on Monday, October 5, 2026, when she received a delegation from the Shifrah for Children with Special Needs Foundation on a courtesy visit to the ministry in Uyo.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Eno Akpan, the Commissioner said the engagement had provided the ministry with a deeper understanding of the challenges confronting children with autism and other developmental conditions.
She said the ministry would review the concerns and proposals presented by the Foundation and identify areas where government could contribute to improving the welfare of affected children and reducing the burden on their families.
Ibanga noted that the state government had continued to provide interventions for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant women and children under five, stressing that the engagement presented an opportunity to further strengthen support for children with special needs based on their peculiar circumstances.
She urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of existing government interventions, including free healthcare services for children under five and pregnant women, as well as enrolment in the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.
The Commissioner also highlighted the state’s collaboration with development partners, including UNICEF, in healthcare and nutrition programmes for women and children, saying such existing structures could provide useful platforms for extending support to children with special needs.
Earlier, the Founder and Board of Trustees of Shifrah for Children with Special Needs Foundation, Mrs. Rosemary Udofia, represented by the Foundation’s Educationist, Mr. Isaac Sam, said the organisation, established on December 20, 2025, had been mobilising and supporting children with autism and other special needs across communities in Akwa Ibom.
Sam disclosed that about 12 children were currently enrolled at the Foundation’s centre, where they receive education, care and skills development designed to promote independence and prepare them for meaningful participation in society.
He said many children with autism and related disabilities continued to face neglect, abandonment and stigma due to inadequate awareness and understanding among parents and members of the wider community.
He therefore appealed to the ministry to partner with the Foundation on community mobilisation, sensitisation and public orientation on autism and related disabilities, particularly to help parents identify, understand and appropriately support children with special needs.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Marketing and Social Media, Mr. Uduak Inwang, who is a partner of the Foundation, thanked the ministry for granting the organisation an audience and providing a platform to advocate for children with autism and other developmental conditions.
Inwang called for increased public awareness to dispel misconceptions that persons with autism and other developmental conditions were cursed or under supernatural influence, stressing that they require proper diagnosis, care, acceptance and support.
He disclosed that the Foundation had supported 12 children since the centre commenced operations, trained 80 caregivers and provided internship opportunities for 26 tertiary institution students at the Shifrah Autism Centre in Ifa Ikot Akpabio, Uyo Local Government Area.
Virtue Mbono, a Special Education Specialist and member of the Foundation’s team, said the organisation catered for children with diverse needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties.
She stressed that each child required an individualised approach based on their abilities and strengths, adding that the Foundation focuses on identifying and nurturing talents in areas such as drawing, colouring, technical activities and problem-solving.
Mbono appealed for government support to expand the Foundation’s interventions and provide tailored assistance to the children, stressing that disability should not limit their potential or opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
Also present at the meeting were the Head of Accounts, Dr. Eti-mfon Ndon; Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aniekan Akpan; and other members of the Foundation.
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