Foundation seeks protection of rights of persons with intellectual disabilities

By : Eniola Daniel and Ijeoma Nwanosike

Date: 25 February 2025 4:26am WAT

Media Relations Officer, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, Adesina Olanrewaju (left); Legal Officer, Ijoma Fyncountry; National Administrator, Nike Denis; Deputy Head of Education, Innocent Okuru; and Education Therapist, Alomaja Nkechinyerem, during the visit of the foundation to The Guardian Newspaper head-office in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ENIOLA DANIEL

The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria has bemoaned the non-implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and called for the inclusion and protection of the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in the country.

The Foundation, which stressed the need for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment, urged the government and private sector to take concrete steps toward inclusivity.

National Administrator of the Foundation, Nike Denis, who spoke, yesterday, during a visit to Rutam House, headquarters of The Guardian, emphasised that Down Syndrome is a genetic condition and not an infectious ailment or a charity case.

Denis also stressed the need for long-term strategies to ensure that these individuals receive adequate care even after their parents or caregivers are no longer available.

She noted that persons with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, face significant social stigma.

She highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to combat discrimination through awareness campaigns and strategic partnerships.

According to her, individuals with intellectual disabilities have the right to education, healthcare, and social inclusion, just like any other citizen.

Also, Legal Officer, Ijeoma Fyncountry, said while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, including those with disabilities, however, persons with intellectual disabilities often experience greater marginalisation compared to other disability clusters.

She, therefore, urged both governmental and private institutions to move beyond the traditional charity model and recognise these individuals as rightful citizens deserving of equal opportunities.

Also, the Deputy Head of Education and Project Manager of the Foundation, Innocent Okuru, added that many persons with intellectual disabilities had been excluded from employment and social participation.

Okuru urged the media and the government to actively support initiatives aimed at integrating persons with intellectual disabilities into the society.