The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action towards the inclusion and healthcare of vulnerable citizens as Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence. In a statement, Chief Executive Officer of DSFN, Mrs. Rose Mordi, made the call in Lagos, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in government policies that affect citizens. This was made at a media briefing held alongside a special medical outreach, which marked the foundation's October awareness month activities and its 25th anniversary.
Reflecting on Nigeria's journey since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Mordi said the milestone should provide an opportunity to assess whether national development is translating into improved living conditions and dignity for all citizens. She stressed that attaining 66 years as a nation should be accompanied by greater openness and accountability from those in government, particularly on policies that directly affect citizens. Mordi urged the government to play an open card with Nigerians, providing clear communication, transparency, and meaningful engagement on policies and decisions that directly affect their lives.
While acknowledging the Federal Government's ongoing economic reforms and efforts aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving living standards, Mordi stressed that the benefits of national development must extend to marginalized groups. She called for stronger healthcare policies that specifically address the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people with Down syndrome. Mordi emphasized that healthcare planning should extend beyond providing basic access to medical services to ensuring that vulnerable citizens can afford and consistently access the specialized care they need.
According to Mordi, healthcare planning must go beyond general access to ensure affordability, early intervention, specialist services, rehabilitation, appropriate support systems, and continuity of care. She also linked the meaning of national independence to the need to remove social and economic barriers that prevent citizens from participating fully in society. Mordi said that 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.
Mordi reaffirmed DSFN's commitment to working with policymakers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote greater inclusion of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the foundation would continue to advocate for inclusion to become an active and measurable part of Nigeria's national development agenda. The foundation's special medical outreach is expected to further support its awareness activities throughout October, as DSFN marks both its annual awareness campaign and its 25th anniversary.
The event, which coincided with Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary, forms part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of DSFN. The foundation's efforts aim to promote greater awareness and understanding of Down syndrome, as well as advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By working with stakeholders, DSFN seeks to ensure that the needs of vulnerable citizens are addressed and that they are able to participate fully in society.
As Nigeria continues to strive for national development, the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria's call for greater inclusion and healthcare for vulnerable citizens serves as a reminder of the need for a more equitable society. The foundation's advocacy efforts highlight the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized groups and ensuring that they are able to access the care and support they need to thrive. By prioritizing inclusion and healthcare, the government can help build a more just and equitable society for all citizens.
Key points
- The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria is urging President Bola Tinubu to prioritize inclusion and healthcare for vulnerable citizens as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence.
