Mrs. Joko Omotola, National President of the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria (AIDDN), has called on policymakers and the general public not to abandon people with Down syndrome.
Omotola made the call in a statement on Saturday in Lagos as part of activities to mark the 2026 World Down Syndrome Day.
The event, celebrated annually on March 21 to raise awareness, has the 2026 theme: “Together Against Loneliness.”
According to her, there is a need for policymakers and society at large to engage persons with disabilities like other members of society.
She noted that the essence of the day is to celebrate persons with Down syndrome and support their parents and caregivers.
“Persons with Down syndrome are full members of the community, with talents, hopes and rights that deserve recognition and respect.
“This year’s theme, ‘Together Against Loneliness,’ reminds us that we must speak with one voice about loneliness and take action to help persons with Down syndrome feel connected.
“Despite progress in healthcare and education, many persons with Down syndrome still face challenges in accessing proper healthcare, education, employment and community support,” she said.
Omotola emphasised the need to support parents and caregivers who provide daily care, advocacy and love for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
According to her, such support includes sustained and accessible services for families and caregivers, ranging from quality healthcare, inclusive education and employment opportunities to respite care, mental health support and financial security.
“Parents and caregivers play a critical role in enabling persons with Down syndrome to access healthcare, education, employment and community life.
“Supporting caregivers is not ancillary; it is central to achieving the best outcomes for persons with IDD.
“When caregivers have access to respite, training, mental health services and financial assistance, families are more stable, stress is reduced, and persons with Down syndrome achieve better long-term outcomes,” she said.
She further underscored the need for national and state policymakers to adopt and implement IDD policies, including the expansion of community-based services.
“There should also be increased funding for inclusive education, including necessary assistive devices and employment programmes, strengthened home and community-based support, and funded caregiver respite and mental health programmes,” she said.
She also urged investment in caregiver training, peer-to-peer networks, counselling, respite care and financial support to ensure families are sustained while receiving the help they need.
According to her, the association will intensify its campaigns to educate the public, reduce stigma and promote full participation of persons with Down syndrome in social, cultural, educational and economic life.
