Red – (Opeodu House)
Yellow – (Shomolu House)
Blue – (Ivory House – First Bank Nigeria Plc)
Green – (Celine Loader House)

There were different kinds of sporting activities like sprints, long jump, egg race, early-to-school, picking the ball, filling the bottles, walking race and other fun sports, after which we had the invited schools relay, parents race, volunteers’ race, patrons’ race and as staff’ race.

The event was well attended by dignitaries from the Lagos state Ministry of Youth, Sport and Social Development, Chief Gabriel Giwa-Amu, Mrs. Mosun sofola (First Lady, Kosofe Local Government), Mr. Akin Opeodu (MD, VT Leasing), Mrs. Ozomah Affiong (Lion’s Metropolitan Club), Mrs. Folashade Bolumole (National Director, Special Olympics Nigeria), Representatives of Small World, First bank, Honey well Industries, Nestle Nigeria Plc and a host of volunteers, family and Friends.

The event was aired on National Television and several private media houses.

Final results were as follows:

1st position – Green house
2nd position – Red House
3rd position -Ivory House
4th position -Yellow House.

Everybody had fun!

See below the current programme:

World Down Syndrome Day at the UN – 3/21 – “Building Our Future” Conference Room 2 – United Nations Headquarters – New York, USA – 10.00 to 14:30

10.00 to 10:30 – Opening
Welcome and Introductions Penny Robertson OAM, Chair of Board, Down Syndrome International (DSi)
UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon – Message on WDSD (to be confirmed)

Head of Brazilian and Polish Missions
Co-sponsor Organisations
10:30 to 11.00 – UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Inclusion – The Importance of Global Coordination Effort to Socialize the Convention
Rosangela Berman-Bieler – Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities, UNICEF
Penny Robertson – Promoting inclusion in schools in Indonesia
Shona Robertson – Australia – Self-advocate – on her education experience
Beatriz Paiva – Brazil – Self-advocate – Carpe Diem Association – Co-author of book on communication accessibility

11.00 to 11:30 – Human Rights and Political Participation of Self-Advocates
Daniela Bas – Director of Division for Social Policy and Development (DESA), UN
Maria Alejandra Villanueva Contreras- Peru – Self-advocate – Fighting for her right to vote
David Egan – USA – Self-advocate – Lobbying for his rights at the US Congress
Ester Nadal Tarrago – Spain – Self-advocate who participated on book on the Convention

11:30 to 12:30 – Changing Society Attitudes – From Neglect and Institutionalization to Protagonist and Living in the Community
Rose Mordi – Nigeria – President of Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria
K.S. Sripathi – India – State Chief Information Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Government, Down Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu
Jason Kingsley – USA – Self-advocate, Co-author of book “Count Us In: Growing Up With Down Syndrome”
Emily Perl Kingsley – USA – Mother, writer, activist, author of “Welcome to Holland”
Tom Forester – USA – Director of Residential Services – Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), Long Island, NY
Michael Brennan – USA – ACDS Group Home Resident

12:30 to 13:00 – The Power of Media – A Guide to Work with the Media to Promote Inclusion
Michelle Whitten – USA – Global Down Syndrome Foundation – How to get media’s attention in a positive, constructive way
Patricia Almeida – Brazil – MetaSocial Institute – Brazil’s experience with WDSD and inclusive actions in collaboration with the Media
Tatiana Heiderich – Brazil/Holland – Self-advocate on her experience as a TV reporter

13:00 to 14:00 – Care, Treatment and Research – What’s new on the DS front
Dr. Jose Florez – Director, Mass General Hospital Down Syndrome Clinic; Director, NDSC; Clinical Advisory Board, NDSS
Dr. Brian Chicoine – Medical Director, Adult Down Syndrome Center, Lutheran General Hospital; Scientific Advisory Research Group, DSi
Dr. Dennis McGuire – Director of Psychosocial Services, Adult Down Syndrome Center, Lutheran General Hospital; Scientific Advisory Research Group, DSi
Dr. Edward McCabe – Executive Director, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
Margie Doyle – Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF) – Latest on research and how to help studies move faster

14:00h to 14.30 – Launch:
1) DSi 2012 WDSD Global Video Event
2) New WDSD Website
3) DSi UN Convention Global Outreach Programme
4) Book “Change the way you speak and I will change my way of
understanding”- By Carolina Yuki Fijihira, Ana Beatriz Pierre Paiva, Beatriz Ananias Giordano, Carolina de Vecchio Maia, Carolina Reis Costa Golebski, Claudio Aleoni Arruda, Thiago Rodrigues, from Carpe Diem Association, Brazil.
5) Book “The United Nations International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities commented by its Protagonists” – By Down España http://www.inclusion-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Guia-Convencin…

14:30 – Closing

The event is sponsored by the Missions of Brazil and Poland to the UN and organised by Down Syndrome International with the collaboration of the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome (FBASD), Down España, Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF), National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Special Olympics and the UN Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Registration
Participants from all around the world are welcome, especially those with Down syndrome.
There is no cost for registration. Confirmation to attend the event can be made by the email to undsconference@gmail.com.
Please inform name, email, age, nationality, relation to Down syndrome (self, parent, relative, professional, teacher, student, friend or other-specify), document number (passport, driver’s license, student´s ID), whether you have a disability and what kind and if you need a disability-related accommodation or service.
Only participants with their names on the list and an ID will be allowed in the building. Space is limited.

About Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines, and affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

About World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) was established by Down Syndrome International in 2006 and has been observed in over 60 countries worldwide to date. It is held on 21 March (21/3) to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of chromosome 21 which causes the genetic condition.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness and understanding about Down syndrome, and to promote the inherent rights of persons with Down syndrome to enjoy full and dignified lives and be active and valuable participants in their communities and society.

A resolution to designate 21/3 as “World Down Syndrome Day”, to be observed every year beginning in 2012, was adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. The resolution was proposed and promoted by Brazil, and co-sponsored by 78 UN Member States. From 2012 onwards, the date will be celebrated by all 192 UN countries. To learn more about the resolution process at the UN, visit http://www.ds-int.org/news/1769.

For further information on World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)
please visit the DSi website
www.ds-int.org or
the WDSD website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org

Press Contact:
Andrew Boys –
Tel: 0044 (0)20 8614 5124
Mob: 0044 (0)7810 153294
Email: contact@ds-int.org
Down Syndrome International -
Langdon Down Centre,
2A Langdon Park, Teddington,
Middlesex, United Kingdom, TW11 9PS.
Website: www.ds-int.org

Editors Notes:

•Down Syndrome International (DSi) is a UK based international charity, comprising a membership of individuals and organisations from all over the world, committed to ensuring quality of life and human rights for all people with Down syndrome. Our members include people with Down syndrome, parents, family members and friends, carers, professionals, practitioners, researchers, organisations and people who are interested in Down syndrome.

•World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day observed on 21 March each year. This date (21/3) represents the 3 copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome, and people and organisations worldwide celebrate on this day in a variety of different ways.

•Down syndrome is a life-long genetic condition from conception. All people with Down syndrome will have some degree of learning disability but many will go on to lead full and semi-independent lives.

•There is estimated to be up to 7 million people who have Down syndrome living worldwide.
Please refer to attached Guidance Notes regarding use of terminology.

Regards
Andrew Boys
Director
Down Syndrome International

The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), a registered charity established within the country to cater for people with Down Syndrome, announces the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) which comes up on March 21st 2012 will be celebrated in Nigeria just as it is being held all over the world.
What makes this year’s event very unique is that this is the first time the WDSD will be celebrated officially around the world after having been officially recognized by the United Nations (UN).

The first United Nations observed World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) will be celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, on 21 March 2012, with the Conference “Building Our Future”.
The World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is usually celebrated on 21 March with Down syndrome organizations throughout the world organizing and participating in events to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.
According to the National President of the Foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi, special activities have been lined up globally and locally to mark the day specially dedicated to people with Down syndrome worldwide and the foundation happens to be participating in all the activities including the special conference which will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York, with the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon presiding.

The Down Syndrome Foundation is planning to make the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) the best celebration ever as it will be the first officially recognized WDSD in history as recognized by the United Nations. Already, the celebration would commence on the 7th of March with the celebration of the annual Inter-House sporting activities which will showcase the strength of the members in sports. There would be different kinds of sporting activities like sprints, long jump, egg racing and other fun sports.
The next activity that would follow the inter-house sports is a highly explosive comedy show entitled Comedy Infusion II for Children with Down syndrome coming up on Sunday, March 18th, 2012 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.

The show which is in its second season is being put together by Meljesten PR and Events in conjunction with E-Smith Events will feature a selection of star-studded comedians and celebrities like Alibaba, Teju Babaface, Basket Mouth, Emeka Smith, Yaw, Julius Agwu, Gbenga Adeyinka, AY, Gordons, Klint Da Drunk and Korede Bello. Others include Seyi Law,Elenu, Shakara and with music entertainment coming from KC Brown, Buzopat, Solid Star, and Ara.

The Special Guest of Honour is Mr. Tonye Cole of Sahara Group while Her Excellency, Mrs. Joke Adefulurie, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State is the Mother of the Day. Tickets for the show are on sales on major eateries across Lagos State and also at the DSFN Resource centre located at 43, Adegoke Street, Surulere Lagos. On March 21st, the foundation will be represented at the official WDSD that will be observed at the UN Headquarters, New York. According to Mordi, DSFN have been listed to deliver a paper at the celebration.
“It is my pleasure to inform you that DSFN will be part of the celebration in the first official celebration of March 21st as the WDSD at the UN and series of lectures are to be delivered by several organizations for people with Down syndrome across the world. I will be one of the persons giving a speech come March 21 this year,” she announced.

The National President will be speaking alongside Penny Robertson OAM, Chair of Board, Down Syndrome International (DSi) (UK), Rosangela Berman-Bieler – Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities, UNICEF, Penny Robertson from Indonesia, Australian – Self-advocate, Shona Robertson and Beatriz Paiva from Brazil among many others.

Mordi will deliver on the topic, Changing Society Attitudes – From Neglect and Institutionalization to Protagonist and Living in the Community, while the Foundation plans a picnic for children with Down syndrome, families and friends and a courtesy visit to dignitaries to raise the awareness of the rights of people with DS.

The foundation wishes to say that the goal of the WDSD is to raise awareness for the Rights and Dignity of People with Down syndrome and to celebrate people with DS and help them actualize their potentials and live a fulfilled life.

The Nelson Mandela International Day recognizing the contributions of the great son of Africa to democracy, racial justice, reconciliation, and his dedication to the services of humanity.

At the Adegoke Street, Surulere, Lagos State Resource office of the foundation, some staff of the Information Centre of the United Nations (UN) Nigeria visited to join in this year’s campaign and call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation for individuals around the world to donate 67 minutes of their time to changing the world for the better.

According to the team leader, Mrs. Araba Olajumoke, the objective of this year’s celebration of the Mandela Day was to affect humanity.

“The overarching objective is to inspire individuals to take action and in doing so, empower entire communities and build a global movement for good,” she said.
The campaign slogan for this year’s celebration is; Take Action, Inspire Change: Make Every Day a Mandela Day.

While receiving the UN delegation to the foundation, the National President, Mrs. Rose Mordi , said that the children and staff of the foundation were thrilled when they were informed that they would have visitors from the UN coming to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela with them.

“Every African and every right thinking person knows the sacrifice that Madiba Nelson Mandela made for his country and for reconciliation and we are happy to be part of this great celebration. What is happening here today represents the kind of person we are celebrating is; a man that takes every human being to be equally loves and respected. We wish him the best of health as he celebrates his 93rd birthday. We are the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria will keep praying for him,” she said.

They UN group were led through a tour of the facility by the foundation’s administrator, Mrs. Patricia Peters after which the slide projector presentation about the life, struggle and achievement of Nelson Mandela was shown.
Also, a biographical movie entitled Invictus about the life of Nelson Mandela was shown to the children.

Araba later led the group to do some cleaning of the facility and also the hostel as well as cooked for the children who were evidently happy to be included in the celebration. All the children and members of staff later sang a happy birthday song to Nelson Mandela and wished him many more years to affect humanity the way he has been doing.

By Ahaoma kanu

The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), the charity that takes care of people with Down Syndrome in Nigeria and the west coast joins all other Down Syndrome organizations all over the world in celebration of the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) which is officially marked on March 21st of every year.

The World Down Syndrome Day-WDSD is a global event supported by all Down syndrome groups worldwide and we at DSFN use this period to focus our efforts in Advocacy, Awareness and interactive and educative partnerships to overcome the prejudices of people living with Down syndrome.

The foundation had series of activities to commemorate the event which included an inter-house sports, a comedy show entitled Comedy Infusion which was celebrated yesterday at The Incubator, Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, opposite RCCG Church (City of David) Lagos. The event witnessed top comedians like Emeka Smeth, Teju Babyface, Klint Da Drunk, Funky Mallam, AY, Seyi Law, Elenu and Shakara. Music entertainment came from Ice Prince, Buzopat, W4, Ray 9 and Ara. The event was packaged by Meljenstin PR & Events, E-Smith and Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria. An Open House event which will feature several activities will cap the celebration.

Also, the foundation is one of the recipients of the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards courtesy of the Down Syndrome International (DSi) based in the United Kingdom but comprising a membership of individuals and organisations from all over the World, committed to ensuring quality of life and human rights for all people with Down syndrome .

The announcement was made today and the foundation won in the award in the Outstanding Professional Categories for organisations that have affected people with Down Syndrome in the world.

Speaking delightedly about the award, the National President of the foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi said the foundation was grateful and really encouraged by the award.

“Honestly, I must say that we are surprised by this honour and we dedicate the award to God Almighty for given us the strength to be doing what we are doing and also to our members, volunteers and well wishers,” she said.

The foundation was the only African country to receive the award this year which is the second edition of the awards.

According to the Mr. Andrew Boys, Director of DSI, a formal presentation formal presentation of World Down Syndrome Day Awards for the years 2010-2012 will take place at the 11th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in Cape Town, South Africa from 15-17 August 2012.

Below is the Press Release published by DSi and can be viewed at the link http://www.ds-int.org/news/1666

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release on Monday 21 March 2011

DOWN SYNDROME INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF 2011 WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY AWARDS

On Monday 21 March 2011, World Down Syndrome Day, Down Syndrome International (DSi) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards.

2011 is the second year of the World Down Syndrome Day Awards, presented to individuals or organisations whose voluntary, professional or scientific activities have strengthened and enriched the lives of people with Down syndrome, or contributed to scientific advancement related to Down syndrome.

This year’s recipients are as follows:

Voluntary and Professional Awards

4 individuals with Down syndrome receive awards for outstanding self-advocacy:

Ty Belnap (Australia) – Record breaking swimmer, surf lifeguard and stage and movie actor.

Mia Farah (Lebanon) – Self-advocate and international disability rights campaigner.

Malgorzata Jablonska (Poland) – Stage and movie actress, performing in many European countries.

Sujeet Desai (USA) – Accomplished musician and self-advocate with worldwide reputation.

3 individuals receive awards for outstanding professional activities:

Dr Branka Butorac (Croatia) – Headmaster of Down Syndrom Centar Pula, Croatia.

Driton Bajraktari (Kosovo) – Co-Founder and Executive Director of Down Syndrome Kosova, Kosovo.

Pauline L`vovna Zhiyanova (Russia) – Special Education Teacher, Downside Up, Russia.

4 organisations receive awards for outstanding professional activities:

Ikatan Sindroma Down Indonesia (ISDI) (Indonesia) – Down syndrome support and advocacy group.

Yaldei Tismonet Down (YATED) (Israel) – Down syndrome parent support organisation.

Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (Nigeria) – Centre for children and adults with Down syndrome.

Robert Owen Communities (UK) – Charity supporting over 350 adults with learning disabilities.

2 individuals receive awards for outstanding volunteer activities:

Agnieszka and Zofia Aleksandra Tucholska (Poland) – Young sisters with volunteering experience assisting people with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities.

1 individual receives an award for an outstanding contribution to raising awareness of Down syndrome:

Casper Lja (Canada) – 23 year old man who cycled 7,444 kilometres across Canada to raise awareness and money for Down syndrome advocacy.

Scientific Awards

1 individual receives an award for outstanding contribution as a medical professional in the field of Down syndrome:

Dr S Suresh (India) – Co-Founder and Chief Medical Director, MediScan Systems, Chennai, India.

President’s Special Recognition Award

2 individuals receive special awards for lifetime achievement in Down syndrome advocacy:

Penny Robertson OAM (Australia) – Pioneer of Down syndrome advocacy in Australia, Founder of Australian International School, Indonesia and Co-Founder of Down Syndrome International.

Dr Balbir Singh PBM (Singapore) – Founding Chairman of Down Syndrome Association Singapore, pioneer of World Down Syndrome Day programme and Social Service and Disability sector advocate.

All recipients are invited to a formal presentation of World Down Syndrome Day Awards for the years 2010-2012 taking place at the 11th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in Cape Town, South Africa from 15-17 August 2012.

-END-

For further information on the recipients of the 2011 World Down Syndrome Day Awards or to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), please visit the DSi website www.ds-int.org or the WDSD website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org. For further information on the WDSC please visit the website www.wdsc2012.org.za.

–
AHAOMA KANU
MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION NIGERIA
43, ADEGOKE STREET
OFF MASHA ROAD, SURULERE
LAGOS STATE
NIGERIA
Email: a.kanu@dsanigeria.org
Website: www.dsanigeria.org
Tel:: +234-80-3748-7286

The Down Syndrome International (DSI) adopted March 21^st to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21^st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome. The inaugural WDSD was held on 21 March 2006 in Singapore.

Our activities for this year’s WDSD events include an Inter House Sports Competition, Comedy Infusion and an Open House on March 21, 2011.

The INTER HOUSE SPORTS competition is slated for Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Sam Shonibare Community Centre, Off Ajao Road, Surulere, Lagos under the distinguished Chairmanship of Mr. Tonye Cole, Managing Director, Sahara Oil and Gas Limited. The Special Guest is the Lagos State Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire. The Father of the Day is Mr. William Pope, Principal, Grange School, while Mrs. Stella Nwankalor is the Mother of the day.  The event starts at noon.

The COMEDY INFUSION comes up on Sunday, March 20^th, 2011 at The Incubator, Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, opposite RCCG Church (City of David) Lagos.

Comedian Seyi Law, Mrs Patrick Chibuzor CEO Meljenstin PR& Events,Mrs. Rose Mordi, National President DSFN, Comedian Funky Mallam &Emeka Smith.JPG

Participating comedians include Basketmouth, Julius Agwu, Gbenga Adeyinka d 1^st, Funky Mallam, AY, Gordons, Klint Da Drunk and Teju Babyface. Others are Seyi Law, Emeka Smith, CD, John, Elenu, Shakara. Music entertainment coming from Ice Prince, Buzopat, W4, Ray 9, Obiwon, Whiz Kid, MI, Liza and Jay One.

Press Conference on the 8 March 2011 at DSFN HQ

Guest appearance by Ali Baba and Master of Ceremony is Desmond Elliot.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Deputy-Governor of Lagos State is the Special Guest of Honour and Mother of the Day is First Lady, Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola.

The event starts at 5 pm. Tickets –Regular- N1, 500, VIP- N5,000 and V-VIP- N10,000- are available in all Tastee Fried Chicken outlets  Festac, V/I, Opebi, Ikoyi, Agege, Surulere, Marina, Omole, Ikorodu.

There are tables of 10 – N200, 000 and a table of 5 – N100, 000.

This event is been packaged by Meljenstin PR & Events, E-Smith and Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria.

The WDSD- OPEN HOUSE is on Monday, March 21^st, 2011 at the DSFN Resource Centre at 43, Adegoke Street Surulere. Time is 11 am prompt. The open house will feature several activities.

Let’s Show Them LOVE!

SPEAKERS: DR. REUBEN ABATI
CHAIRMAN, EDITORIAL BOARD
THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPERS

DR. DAVID MULLIGAN
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ADVISER
SMEDAN ABUJA

PROF. JOANNE UMOLU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OPEN DOORS FOR SPECIAL LEARNERS
JOS NIGERIA

PENNY GREEN
DIRECTOR
DOWN’S HEART GROUP U.K

DATE: 5TH OCTOBER 2010

TIME: 10 AM PROMPT

ADMISSION: FREE

The Awareness Week is part of a global event supported by all Down syndrome groups worldwide. We at Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), use this period to focus our efforts in Advocacy, Awareness and Fund raising.

The theme for this year’s programme is “Just one chromosome…Give me a chance.”

The key events of the week are…

Our aim is to raise as much funds as possible towards the target of N25m (Twenty-five million Naira), which would commence the development of a properly equipped educational establishment resource centre, provide transport and working capital. We also need to urgently raise N10m (Ten million Naira) for the next set of 8 remaining children and babies who require life saving heart and eye surgery in India.

Your specific support/sponsorship is required in the following areas…

* Sponsoring/Branding Tee Shirts and Fez caps for the charity walk on Saturday, October 2, 2010
* Branding the Seminar materials and venue scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2010
* Paying for several tables for the fund raising dinner and awards evening on Thursday, October 7, 2010 (a table of 10 costs N140,000 –individual tickets costs N15,000 each)
* Further sponsorship details are hereby attached

As this is the first year as a Foundation, partnering with an eminent corporate organization like yours, we are confident that this year’s edition will be the most successful ever.

Mrs Rose Mordi

National President.

Children at the launching of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria (DSFN)

It was double celebration for people with Down Syndrome on Children’s Day Celebration last week as they marked the launching of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN)and also had their new resource centre commissioned.

During the event which held at the Foundations resource centre located at Adegoke Street in Surulere, Lagos State, the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola   extolled the dedication and determination of initiators of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, notwithstanding the enormous difficulties caregivers to children afflicted with such challenges pose. Speaking at the event,  Mrs.Fashola, who was represented by her Senior  Special Assistant, Mr.Biodun Ogunyade, said she will be willing to assist the Foundation, to ensure the Children are properly catered for.

“ She asked me to say thank you, thank you, for a job well done,” he said and also  on Corporate Nigeria, and other well meaning Persons to show concern and support for the Children and the Foundation.

He went on to announce that   Ministry has concluded plans start a TV show, a Social Welfare Hour, to showcase the works of charities that help special people and promised that children with Down syndrome  and the activities of the Foundation will be given priority. He urged the larger society to show love and care to kids, who are so challenged, rather than stigmatizing and discriminating against them.

President and Founder of the Down Syndrome Foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi has stressed the need for Parents with  DS condition children  not to regard it as a curse as the children could be helped to live a fruitful and productive life if given the necessary assistance. Mordi made the call as the members of the Board of Trustees of the foundation were inducted.    Speaking to journalists, Mordi urged parents with children with the Down syndrome not to stigmatize or discriminate against them but should rather seek help.

“I have a child born with this condition- a young lady of 23 years old. And I realized that in Nigeria, there is not much information about the condition, and you know that any thing that is not well known, people become superstitious about, so I decided to create awareness, by gathering a few parents together, and we started as a parent support group. From there we got involved in helping the children,” she said.

On what causes Down syndrome,  Mordi  explained that the condition is a genetic imbalance.

‘Down syndrome is a genetic disorder- that happens at conception. A child born with Down syndrome (DS) has an extra chromosome. You and I have the regular number of chromosomes in our cells- that is 46; we get 23 a piece from both parents but a child who is to be born with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome which we refer to as an accident of birth. It is not due to anything the mother did, or didn’t do, or the father did or didn’t do .It is spontaneous thing that happens, it is the 47th chromosomes, as against, the forty-six they should  and that extra chromosome is what   predisposes a child to this condition,” she explained.

She decried the practice where families with a DS child would rather want to lock the child up than seek for assistance in administering early intervention. She informed that one of the challenges facing the foundation was the non-challant attitude of the general society.

“Because, as it not a very flamboyant project, a lot of people don’t want to even partner with us, to help these children. The main problem, we experience is the nonchalant attitude of the larger society –to help these children and their family. We have a lot of children we need to support, medically and educationally, but we haven’t got the wherewithal to do that. And, we don’t have much support, and it has been a very big challenge to us,” she said.

Similarly, a Trustee of the Foundation, and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Segun Olusola,  called on well meaning  Nigerians who have job openings in their establishment not to hesitate to engage, and help children with this condition as they up, in order to give a sense of belonging, that they are wanted, that they have things they can do to help other peopled.

Ruben Abati, also a Trustee of the Foundation, frowned at the attitude of government at all levels toward the welfare of the Nigerian child. The social crusader and the Editorail Board Chairman of the Guardian Newspaper frowned at what he described as the government paying lip service to helping the Nigeria child.

“Governments at all levels pay lip service to doing something for the Nigerian Child. But in reality not enough is done, not real commitment is shown, and what is done is nothing but mere lip service. It is not all about children who have Down syndrome; it is about children generally, in difficult circumstances. Children represent the future of this country. The population of Nigeria is predominately young. And our constitution says, nobody, should be discriminated against, either on the basis of religion or circumstance of birth, faith or for any reason whatsoever. For Government to neglect children in difficult circumstances, amounts to an abuse or a violation of their basic human right,” he said.

However, he gave a pat on the back for Her Excellency, for showing interest the activities of the DS Foundation.

“It gladdens my heart, that, today, we have Government representation, the Lagos State people, the Office of the First Lady of Lagos, and they were well represented. And, the appeal we will be making is that another government should show interest in what the DS Foundation is doing.

What the DS Foundation has been able to achieve is quite impressive. I think, it is a Foundation that deserves the support of government and also, of all a sundry. We run a society, whereby, the privileged do not seem to be public spirited, where the privileged seem to be interested only in conspicuous consumption, and continuous amassing of wealth.

Those chaps in the National Assembly, who are collecting millions of money per quarter. The House of Representative members, they are not even satisfied with 27. 2 million per quarter, which I think, it case of being over paid for doing nothing. They say, they now want about 50 million per quarter. Now, the question you ask is what they do with this money. I would like to see a situation, whereby the privileged in the Nigerian society, does not spend his wealth, either acquired illegally or legitimately, simply on showing of on endless patties, but feel concerned about the plight of other human persons’

The Children entertained the guests and audience with songs and dance. Their performance was so thrilling that Ambassador Segun Olusola has this to say, ‘I thank you for the performance of the kids. When, it comes to the issues, idea, a play, a song, dance, invite me, I will come and be with them.”