Nigeria at 66: Foundation urges Tinubu to act on inclusion, healthcare

The Chief Executive Officer of DSFN, Mrs. Rose Mordi

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.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of DSFN, Mrs. Rose Mordi, made the call in Lagos while addressing journalists at a media briefing held alongside a special medical outreach organised to commence the foundation’s October awareness month activities.

The event also forms part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of DSFN and coincides with Nigeria’s 66th Independence 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 said 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.

“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 aimed at stabilising the economy and improving living standards, Mordi stressed that the benefits of national development must extend to marginalised groups.

She called for stronger healthcare policies that specifically address the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people with Down syndrome.

• 2027: Take Tinubu’s message to grassroots, Aiyedatiwa urges Ondo women
• Workers set October strike over petrol price hike
• 2027: Oyebanji, PDP’s Oluyede pledge Ekiti votes for Tinubu

“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, healthcare planning should extend beyond providing basic access to medical services to ensuring that vulnerable citizens can afford and consistently access the specialised care they need.

“Healthcare planning must go beyond general access to ensure affordability, early intervention, specialist services, rehabilitation, appropriate support systems and continuity of care,” she added.

Mordi also linked the meaning of national independence to the need to remove 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.

Mordi 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.