ABUJA, Nigeria — In a powerful show of advocacy and solidarity, the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) has intensified calls for stronger national awareness, early diagnosis, and inclusive support systems for persons on the autism spectrum, urging Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity with empathy and compassion.
The call was made on Thursday in Abuja by the National President of NAFOWA, Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, during a vibrant commemorative walk and awareness programme held to mark the 2026 World Autism Awareness Month. The event, themed “Wings of Inclusion: NAFOWA Walks for Autism,” brought together stakeholders, families, caregivers, and advocates united by a shared vision of an inclusive society.
Speaking at the event, Aneke challenged long-held misconceptions about autism, stressing that it should never be perceived as a limitation but rather as a unique way of experiencing the world.
“Autism is not a limitation,” she declared passionately. “It is a different way of seeing and interacting with the world. Every child has unique strengths, perspectives, and potentials that must be nurtured and celebrated.”
Her remarks struck a chord with participants, as she highlighted the urgent need to dismantle stigma, improve early diagnosis, and expand access to support systems for individuals and families affected by autism.
According to Aneke, persistent societal barriers—including misinformation, delayed diagnosis, and discrimination—continue to hinder the full inclusion of persons on the autism spectrum. She emphasized that awareness campaigns like the NAFOWA walk are critical tools in reshaping public perception and fostering acceptance.
“These initiatives are not just symbolic,” she noted. “They are vital steps toward building a society where every child, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive.”
She further explained that the association’s initiative is designed to spark conversations, promote early detection, and strengthen structures that support children with autism in realizing their full potential.
Aneke also commended the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) for its unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
“Our walk today represents progress, unity, and a shared responsibility,” she added. “Inclusion is not the job of a few—it is the duty of all.”
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, lauded NAFOWA’s initiative as timely and impactful, reaffirming the commission’s readiness to collaborate in promoting disability inclusion nationwide.
Represented by the Director of General Services, Mr. Gurumyen Carlous, Gufwan emphasized that autism and other disabilities can affect anyone, reinforcing the need for a society that values and supports all individuals equally.
“We are proud to identify with this initiative,” he said. “Persons with disabilities are an integral part of our society and must be given equal care, recognition, and opportunities.”
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Gufwan revealed that over 1.3 billion people globally live with disabilities, while Nigeria accounts for more than 35 million persons with disabilities, including over 400,000 children on the autism spectrum.
Describing the statistics as significant, he called for collective national action to improve access to healthcare, education, and inclusive services.
In a gesture that underscored the commission’s commitment, Gufwan announced the donation of 10 medical wheelchairs to children with autism under NAFOWA’s care, aimed at enhancing mobility and inclusion.
“Going forward, we want to be part of initiatives like this,” he said. “No one must be left behind.”
The event also featured a deeply moving testimony from the Supervisor of the NAFOWA Special Needs School, Mrs. Sembe Olarenwaju, whose personal story brought many attendees to tears.
Sharing her journey as a mother of a child with autism, she described her son, Reuben, as a source of strength, purpose, and renewed faith.
“Reuben changed my life,” she said emotionally. “He gave me empathy, love, and a reason to keep fighting—not just for him, but for every child like him.”
Olarenwaju used the platform to encourage parents, especially mothers, to reject denial and embrace their children with courage and acceptance. She reassured them that autism is not caused by parental failure and urged families to stop hiding their children due to societal pressure.
“You did nothing wrong,” she said. “It is okay to cry, it is okay to struggle—but do not hide your children. This journey is real, and it is one we must walk with love and strength.”
She further called on society to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children with special needs, emphasizing that love and understanding are essential for their growth and development.
“Love is the wings upon which they grow,” she added.
The NAFOWA autism awareness walk served not only as a platform for advocacy but also as a reminder that inclusion begins with awareness, grows through understanding, and is sustained by collective action.
As stakeholders continue to push for policy reforms and societal change, one message resonated clearly throughout the event: a truly inclusive Nigeria is possible—but only if everyone plays their part.
