21 hours Ago By Chioma Kalu
The Chairman and Founder of The Zeebah Foundation, Nzan Ogbe, has called for greater inclusion and support for individuals with autism, emphasising the importance of advancing neurodiversity in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).In a press statement, Ogbe shared his personal journey as a parent of a child with autism, explaining how the challenges he faced led to the establishment of The Zeebah Foundation.“As a parent of a child with autism, I have experienced firsthand the overwhelming feelings of helplessness and frustration when navigating uncharted territory—seeking answers, securing professional help, and balancing the daily demands of life.
However, my child’s access to early intervention therapies has had a profound and transformative impact on our lives. This experience has fueled my commitment to The Zeebah Foundation, which aims to empower families with the resources, support, and guidance they need to unlock their children’s full potential,” he said.A key highlight of his speech was the celebration of Kanyeyachukwu Okeke, young artist with autism who has set a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest art canvas by an individual.
He noted that the Zeebah Foundation has supported Kanyeyachukwu since 2019, and his achievements stand as a testament to what individuals with autism can accomplish when given the right opportunities.Ogbe further described this milestone as more than just an artistic feat but as proof that, with proper support, neurodiverse individuals can break barriers and redefine excellence.He also noted that Kanyeyachukwu is now working towards a second Guinness World Record, further demonstrating the potential within the autism community.
This year’s theme, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” underscores the connection between autism advocacy and global development efforts.Ogbe emphasised that true inclusion means ensuring individuals with autism are not left behind in education, employment, and social development.He stressed the need for an inclusive education system that recognises the unique learning styles of children with autism, arguing that Goal 4: Quality Education must be achieved by tailoring learning environments to meet their needs.
Without equitable access to specialized education, he said, many children on the spectrum will struggle to reach their full potential.Beyond education, Ogbe called for greater workplace inclusion, highlighting that individuals with autism often excel in areas requiring pattern recognition, attention to detail, and innovative thinking. He urged businesses and policymakers to embrace neurodiverse talent and create more sustainable employment opportunities in line with Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
He further addressed Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, pointing out the persistent barriers that individuals with autism face in accessing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. He emphasised that targeted policies and advocacy are needed to bridge these gaps and ensure that neurodiverse individuals are not left on the margins of society.In a major announcement, Ogbe unveiled plans for The Zeebah Foundation’s 5,000-square-meter Autism Resource Center, a dedicated facility that will provide essential services for at least 200 children, including residential accommodations for 50 individuals and sponsorship opportunities for 20 beneficiaries.
The center, he explained, aligns with Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it aims to provide an inclusive space where children with autism can receive the support they need to thrive. He underscored the significance of investing in such infrastructure, stating that societies must not only acknowledge neurodiversity but also create environments where neurodiverse individuals can reach their full potential.Ogbe concluded his speech with a call for stronger policies, increased investment in autism support systems, and a collective effort to build an inclusive society.
He urged governments, businesses, and communities to prioritize neurodiversity in decision-making, stressing that meaningful change requires action beyond raising awareness.“Today, as we commemorate World Autism Awareness Day 2025, we embrace the theme Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This day is not only about raising awareness but about taking meaningful steps to build a world where neurodiversity is celebrated and where every individual, regardless of their neurological makeup, has the opportunity to live, learn, and contribute to society,” he said.
Chioma KaluThe post Zeebah Foundation Chairman Ogbe Calls for Greater Inclusion of Autistic Individuals appeared first on Arise News..
