The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria has urged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to match Nigeria’s 66 years of independence with decisive action, transparency and deliberate inclusion of vulnerable citizens. The Chief Executive Officer of DSFN, Mrs Rose Mordi, made the call in Lagos on Wednesday while addressing journalists at a media briefing held alongside a special medical outreach to commence the foundation’s October awareness activities. The event also forms part of DSFN’s 25th anniversary celebrations and coincides with Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence from Britain 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 urged the government to be more open and accountable, particularly on policies that directly affect Nigerians. “Now that we have come of age, we urge the government of the day to play an open card with Nigerians. Citizens deserve clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement on policies and decisions that directly affect their lives,” she said.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms and efforts to stabilise the economy and improve living standards, Mordi stressed that the benefits of national development must extend to marginalised groups. She called for stronger and more inclusive healthcare policies that address the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people with Down syndrome. According to her, healthcare planning should go beyond basic access to medical services to ensure affordability, early intervention, specialist care, rehabilitation, appropriate support systems and continuity of care.
Mordi also linked the meaning of national independence to the removal of social and economic barriers that prevent citizens from participating fully in society. “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. She reaffirmed DSFN’s commitment to working with policymakers, government agencies and other stakeholders to promote greater inclusion of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and ensure that inclusion becomes an active and measurable part of Nigeria’s national development agenda.
