Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to impose sanctions on states that have failed to implement the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018. The call was made by the Founder and Chairperson of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs. Funmilayo Falana, during an event organized by The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) to commemorate the 2025 World Down Syndrome Day.
Themed “Improving Support Systems – Access to Healthcare,” the event, held at Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area, Lagos State, reinforced the need for stronger government policies and societal efforts to support individuals with Down syndrome. Participants advocated for greater inclusion in education, healthcare, and employment.
Falana criticized the government’s inadequate response to the needs of individuals with Down syndrome in Nigeria, citing a lack of specialized medical personnel trained to cater to their specific healthcare needs. She emphasized that general healthcare professionals often lack the expertise required to provide adequate care and called for urgent specialized training.
She also highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing “Japa syndrome,” referring to the mass emigration of Nigerian medical professionals, which has led to a critical shortage of experts in the country.
Falana stressed the importance of strengthening support systems for persons with disabilities, arguing that such responsibilities should not rest solely on public goodwill but must be prioritized by the government. She referenced Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom from discrimination, asserting that individuals with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, deserve the same rights and privileges as all other Nigerians.
Beyond Sympathy: Advocating for True Inclusion
In her remarks, the National Administrator of DSFN, Nike Denis, representing the President, Rose Modi, echoed the call for inclusivity. She urged society to move beyond mere sympathy and actively work towards empowering persons with Down syndrome.
“They have rights like everyone else. We want them to be empowered; they can work. We want to empower them in all sectors, including education and employment,” Denis stated.
She further lamented the marginalization of persons with intellectual disabilities, noting that while individuals with physical disabilities, such as blindness or mobility impairments, are seen working, those with intellectual disorders rarely gain employment.
“This needs to change,” Denis asserted.
Medical Experts Emphasize Early Intervention
Chief Consultant at Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olufunmi Akinola, stressed the importance of early medical intervention for children with Down syndrome. According to Akinola, children with the condition are naturally sociable and kind, making it imperative that they receive proper healthcare from infancy to ensure their well-being.
The discussions at the event highlighted the urgent need for the government to uphold its responsibility in enforcing disability rights laws, improving healthcare services, and fostering societal inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities in Nigeria.
