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When Mrs. Rose Mordi walked into the Independent Newsroom earlier this week, she didn’t just bring a delegation; she brought 25 years of history, hope, and hard-fought victories. As Nigeria prepares to join the global community for World Down Syndrome Day today, March 21, the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) isn’t just marking a date on the calendar—they are celebrating a silver jubilee of turning “disability” into “extraordinary ability.” From the halls of the UN to the vocational centres of Lagos, this is the story of a mother’s love that sparked a national movement.
Observed annually on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day highlights the uniqueness of individuals with the condition, symbolised by the triplication of chromosome 21. Recognised by the United Nations since 2012, the day serves as a global platform to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome while promoting their full participation in society.
In preparation for this year’s event, the founder of DSFN, Mrs. Rose Mordi, recently led a delegation to the office of Independent Newspaper Nigeria, where she was received by Deputy Daily Editor, Mr. Charles Okoh, alongside Life Editor of Saturday Independent, Tomi Falade. The visit aimed to raise awareness about the foundation’s upcoming activities tied to the 2026 World Down Syndrome Day celebration, which also coincides with DSFN’s 25th anniversary.
Speaking during the visit, a senior official of the foundation, Olarenwaju Adesina, explained that the organisation was born out of Mrs. Mordi’s personal experience as a parent seeking support and accurate information for her daughter with Down syndrome. This experience led to the establishment of DSFN in 2001.
Over the years, the foundation has remained at the forefront of addressing challenges associated with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, providing critical support systems for affected individuals and their families. Mrs. Mordi’s advocacy has also earned her international recognition, including participation in the 2011 declaration of March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Further underscoring the importance of the 2026 celebration, the foundation’s Legal Resource and Administrative Officer, Barrister Ijeoma Blessing Fynecountry, said the event would focus on promoting inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring equal access to education, employment, and community life.
She noted that beyond celebration, the observance remains a call to action to reshape public perception and strengthen advocacy for the rights of persons with Down syndrome.
During the engagement, Mrs. Mordi reiterated the urgent need for improved social inclusion, better healthcare access, and expanded employment opportunities for persons living with Down syndrome. She also called for the enforcement of existing legal frameworks, particularly the Intellectual Disabilities Act, to protect the rights and dignity of affected individuals.
The foundation’s advocacy extends beyond commemorative events. In October 2025, DSFN called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to fully implement disability laws nationwide. The appeal was made during its 24th annual October awareness event themed “Health Care Support for All,” which featured a charity walk in Ikeja and received support from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and The 7 Fifteen Philanthropic Foundation.
During the visit to Independent Newspaper, the foundation decried the continued marginalisation of persons with intellectual disabilities, especially those unable to advocate for themselves, noting that gaps in healthcare access have left many vulnerable to preventable conditions and reduced life expectancy.
Highlighting its interventions, Mrs. Mordi pointed to the foundation’s inclusive education, healthcare services, and vocational training programmes at its Lagos centre where participants are equipped with practical skills such as barbing, hairdressing, baking, arts, and leatherwork, in collaboration with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board. She explained that the skill acquisition projects are designed to promote independence and self-reliance among persons with Down syndrome.
While expressing optimism about the future, the foundation maintained that full enforcement of disability laws remains critical to achieving genuine inclusion. According to DSFN, effective implementation of these policies would mark a significant step toward building a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can access quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for a dignified life.
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