The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) has urged the Federal Government to match Nigeria’s 66 years of independence with decisive action, transparency and deliberate inclusion of vulnerable citizens.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Rose Mordi, made the call on Friday in Lagos while addressing newsmen as part of activities marking the foundation’s awareness month.
The briefing coincided with a special medical outreach organised by the foundation to kick-start its October awareness activities and mark its 25th anniversary.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, dedicated to raising public awareness and promoting acceptance of people with Down syndrome.
Mordi said Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on whether the country’s progress had translated into tangible dignity and an improved quality of life for all citizens.
She said reaching 66 years as an independent nation required leadership to embrace open, transparent communication with citizens, particularly on policies affecting their livelihoods.
“Citizens deserve clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement on policies and decisions that directly affect their lives,” she said.
Mordi acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms and stabilisation efforts aimed at improving living standards.
She, however, stressed that the benefits of national development should deliberately include marginalised groups, particularly persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
She called for stronger and more inclusive healthcare policies that would address affordability, early intervention, specialist services, rehabilitation, appropriate support systems and continuity of care.
“We therefore call for stronger, inclusive and deliberate healthcare policies that respond to the realities of ordinary Nigerians, with particular attention to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people with Down syndrome,” Mordi said.
According to her, true national sovereignty should extend beyond political freedom to encompass social equity and equal opportunities for all citizens.
“At 66, Nigeria must continue to build a nation where independence means more than freedom from colonial rule; it must mean freedom from exclusion, neglect and barriers to opportunity,” she said.
Mordi reaffirmed DSFN’s commitment to working with policymakers, government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that inclusion becomes an active and measurable component of Nigeria’s national development.
She said the foundation would continue to advocate for policies and programmes that promote the rights, dignity and wellbeing of persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
