The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has commended the remarkable work of the Zamarr Institute, praising its sustained commitment to improving care, awareness, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum across Nigeria.
The commendation was made during a recent engagement with a delegation from the institute led by its Chief Executive Officer, Oluronke Katagum. The meeting, which held in a collaborative and forward-looking atmosphere, focused on strengthening partnerships and exploring legislative and institutional support for autism-focused initiatives.
According to details from the meeting, discussions also highlighted preparations for the institute’s upcoming fundraising dinner, an event designed to raise resources for expanding access to specialised services for children with autism and other developmental needs. The initiative forms part of Zamarr Institute’s broader mission to close existing gaps in autism care, particularly in underserved communities where awareness and support services remain limited.
Senator Dafinone expressed admiration for the institute’s efforts, noting that its work has significantly contributed to increasing public understanding of autism while also providing direct support to affected families. He described the organisation’s interventions as both timely and necessary, given the growing need for structured autism care systems in the country.
“I am deeply impressed by their commitment and the impact of their work,” the senator said, emphasizing that organisations such as Zamarr Institute play a critical role in addressing social and developmental challenges that require both public and private sector collaboration.
He further noted that autism support services are often underfunded and under-prioritised in national planning, stressing that stronger institutional backing is essential if such initiatives are to achieve wider reach and long-term sustainability. According to him, legislative support can help create a more enabling environment for organisations working in the field of special needs education and healthcare.
Dafinone also reiterated the importance of inclusive policies that ensure equal opportunities for all children, regardless of developmental differences. He underscored that inclusion is not only a moral responsibility but also a necessary step toward building a more balanced and productive society.
The senator highlighted that many families raising children on the autism spectrum face emotional, financial, and social challenges, often without adequate government support. He called for stronger collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and civil society organisations to ensure that these families receive the assistance they need.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups, particularly children with special needs. According to him, sustained advocacy and funding are critical to expanding access to early diagnosis, therapy services, and specialised education programmes.
The engagement also shed light on the growing importance of awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma associated with autism in many communities. Stakeholders at the meeting discussed the need for continuous public education to dispel misconceptions and encourage early intervention, which experts say is key to improving outcomes for children on the spectrum.
Zamarr Institute, through its programmes, has been actively involved in providing therapeutic support, caregiver training, and community sensitisation efforts. The organisation’s work has been recognised for helping families better understand autism while also equipping them with tools to support their children’s development.
The upcoming fundraising dinner, according to the institute, is expected to bring together policymakers, philanthropists, development partners, and stakeholders in the education and health sectors. Funds raised from the event will be directed toward expanding facilities, training specialists, and improving access to essential services for children with developmental needs.
Senator Dafinone’s remarks were widely interpreted as a call for increased national attention to autism and other developmental disorders, which continue to receive limited policy focus despite their growing prevalence. He stressed that a coordinated national response is necessary to ensure that no child is left behind in access to healthcare and education.
He concluded with a strong message on equality and opportunity, stating: “Every child deserves a shot at living their best life.” The senator’s statement reinforced his appeal for collective responsibility in building an inclusive society where children on the autism spectrum are supported, respected, and given the tools they need to thrive.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about future collaboration aimed at strengthening autism care systems in Nigeria. Stakeholders believe that partnerships between lawmakers and specialised institutions like Zamarr Institute could play a transformative role in improving awareness, expanding services, and ensuring that inclusive care becomes a national priority.
