From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has emphasised that autistic children have a right to life and education.
The Governor made this known over the weekend during the 6th edition of the Calabar Walkathon, themed “A walk for autism and other related neurodevelopmental disorders”.
Governor Otu, who spoke through Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, said, “Autism is not witchcraft. It’s just a neuro disorder, and these children deserve our support and understanding.”
In addition, he recounted how autistic children were once stigmatised and mistreated in his community.
“In my community back then, these children were taken to the evil forest,” he said. “But thanks to organisations like Health Billionaires, awareness is being created, and we’re working towards a more inclusive society.”
The Chairman of the Health Billionaires Fitness Club, William Archibong, explained that the awareness campaign aims to dispel misconceptions about autism and promote understanding.
“We exist in a society where people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders need our support and acceptance,” he said. “Let’s create an enabling environment for them to thrive.”
This year’s edition of the Calabar Walkathon is part of efforts to raise awareness about autism and promote inclusion in the state.
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