In a country where conversations around neurodevelopmental disorders are still shrouded in stigma and silence, Maria Okafor stands out as a powerful voice of hope and action. As the founder of the RBM Autism Foundation, she is not only marking five years of dedicated service to children with autism and their families, but also celebrating the one-year anniversary of Nigeria’s first 24/7 autism therapy center and care home.
For Maria Okafor, the journey began from a place of deep empathy. “The foundation was born out of a deeply personal encounter with the realities families of children with autism face; from late diagnosis, limited access to quality therapy, and a lack of structured support systems,” she recalls. “I saw children being misunderstood and families navigating the journey alone. That gap became impossible to ignore.”
What started as a passion project has grown into a structured organisation that provides early diagnosis, therapy, caregiver empowerment, professional training, and bold advocacy. Over the past five years, RBM Autism Foundation has directly impacted hundreds of children and families while reaching thousands more through awareness campaigns. One year ago, Okafor took a bold step by opening the foundation’s first physical 24/7 therapy center and care home. “Unveiling our first physical center was a major milestone,” she says. “It marked our transition from primarily outreach-based support to a structured, consistent service delivery model.
The center has enabled us to provide hands-on therapy, assessments, and caregiver support in a more coordinated and impactful way.” The center has become a game-changer for many families. “We’ve seen non-verbal children begin to communicate and engage meaningfully, and parents who once felt isolated are now building supportive networks,” Maria shares.
“Those moments validate the work we do and remind me why I started this journey.” As a woman leading in a space that is often emotionally demanding and underfunded, Maria’s leadership reflects resilience and vision. She describes the dual celebration of the foundation’s 5th anniversary and her personal milestone as deeply symbolic. “This dual celebration is very symbolic. It reflects growth on both a personal and organizational level,” she says. “One year ago, I took the bold decision to move back to Nigeria and open a physical center…
Celebrating both milestones together is a reminder of how far we’ve come.” Her work is transforming how Nigerian society views autism. “We hope to leave a legacy of inclusion, awareness, and accessible care,” Maria states. “Our goal is to contribute to a system where no child is left behind due to lack of understanding or resources, and where communities are empowered to support neurodiversity.”
Looking to the future, Maria is focused on expansion. “Our goals for the next five years include expanding access to our services through additional centers, increasing affordability of therapy, strengthening advocacy efforts, and influencing policy around developmental health and inclusive education,” she reveals. “We aim to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports children with autism at every stage of their development.”
Maria Okafor’s story is one of courage, compassion, and conviction. In a country where women are increasingly taking the lead in solving societal challenges, she stands as a shining example of what purposeful leadership looks like. Through RBM Foundation, she is not only changing individual lives but also reshaping the narrative around autism in Nigeria; one family, one breakthrough, and one step at a time.
