The Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation (FEMHF) in Nigeria has called for more support and partnership from the churches in creating the much-needed awareness and acceptance for autistic people and their families who go through a lot to survive in non-inclusive societies that rarely understand and accept their world.
The call was made as the foundation celebrated the 2023 World Autism Day with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in Abuja, Nigeria.
Addressing a gathering of the congregation in the church, the President and Founder of FEMHF Mr. Stanley Effah, said that the World Autism Day is a very special day approved and recognized by the United Nations as a day to celebrate the uniqueness and progress achievements of people of the spectrum of Autism.
“It is also a day to create extensive awareness and preach acceptance through love,“ Effah said.
The founder also frowns at the fact that there was no such observance or preaching of “Autism Day” among several of the churches in Nigeria.
He lauded the LDS church as an exception, as according to him the LDS has always been the comfort zone for several people with disabilities and special needs people; not only in terms of charity support, but also in the comfort of true acceptance and love as contained in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Among several activities witnessed at the event was a live band performance by Ferdinand Effah, an autistic child who is beginning to find a pathway in music as a career, through passion, resilience and hard work.
Present at the event, were the Bishop, his councillors, the Elders Quorum (men), the Relief Society (women), and Primaries (children). Also in attendance were family members, friends and partners of FEMHF.
PIAK
