The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) has called on the Federal and state governments to strengthen policies protecting the rights of people living with Down syndrome and guarantee their access to quality education, healthcare and other essential services.
The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Rose Mordi, made the call in Lagos during its 25th anniversary celebration, themed Advancing Inclusion, Breaking Barriers, Building Future.
The event also featured the launch of Mordi’s book, Beyond Label: A Mother’s Mission, which chronicles her experience caring for a child with Down syndrome and her efforts to support other affected families through the foundation.
Individuals, media organisations and groups were also recognised for their contributions to the foundation’s work.
Speaking at the event, Mordi expressed concern over the discrimination and limited opportunities faced by people with Down syndrome, noting that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities remained underserved, even within the wider disability community.
She stressed the need for targeted policies and support systems that address their specific needs, particularly in education, healthcare and the protection of their fundamental rights.
According to her, inadequate support structures have continued to limit access to quality education and opportunities for affected individuals to develop the confidence and skills needed to advocate for themselves.
Mordi said the foundation had spent the past 25 years educating and empowering children with Down syndrome to become self-advocates capable of expressing their needs and demanding better services and policies.
Reflecting on the organisation’s early years, she identified ignorance, misconceptions and stigma as major challenges that discouraged some families from seeking support for their children.
She said sustained awareness campaigns and engagement with parents had helped encourage families to embrace their children, seek appropriate education and provide the support needed for them to develop their abilities and lead fulfilling lives.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the DSFN Board of Trustees, Akin Opeodu, disclosed plans to expand the foundation’s activities across the country.
He called for stronger government support and effective policies to improve the welfare of people living with Down syndrome and ensure they have greater access to essential services and opportunities.
The wife of former Lagos State Governor, Abimbola Fashola, urged Nigerians to support organisations working with people with special needs.
She also encouraged parents to seek assistance and provide the care, encouragement and opportunities their children need to thrive.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the DSFN Parents Association, Olayinka Abayomi, appealed to parents not to neglect or isolate children living with Down syndrome.
He urged families to enrol them in appropriate schools, encourage social interaction and provide opportunities for learning and personal development.
Abayomi stressed that children with the condition deserved dignity, acceptance and equal opportunities to participate fully in society.
