By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:
The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ikorodu Local Government, the International Disability Alliance (IDA), and the ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology (UNOPS), has convened a stakeholders meeting focused on “Ending Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls with Intellectual Disabilities.”
The event, entitled “MPOWER HER: My Voice, My Power, My Safety,” was held on May 14, 2025, at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat in Lagos State, Nigeria. Its primary aim was to raise awareness and promote this significant initiative within the Ikorodu Division.
The Executive Chairman of the Ikorodu Local Government Area, Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, ably represented by Hon. Adesina Lateef Afinni, the Secretary to Ikorodu Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria’s initiative to address these critical issues within the Ikorodu community. He affirmed the local government’s commitment to providing assistance whenever needed by the organisation.
As a non-profit entity in existence for 24 years, the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria is dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities through collaborations with various international organisations. Notably, ATscale aims to enhance lives through assistive technology, while the IDA advocates for disability rights in partnership with non-governmental organisations, government entities, and the United Nations.
This program seeks to create safer communities and promote equitable opportunities for girls with intellectual disabilities.
In a recent interview, Mrs. Nike Denis, the National Administrator for the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, shared insights about a new initiative sparked by research highlighting the growing problem of gender-based violence, especially in African countries like Nigeria. Teaming up with the International Disability Alliance and ATscale technologies, this initiative aims to raise community awareness about this urgent issue.
The initiative is particularly focused on two key communities in Lagos State, with the goal of educating stakeholders about the different forms of gender-based violence, which include sexual, physical, economic, and emotional abuse.
The main aim is to bring together various sectors of society, including the judiciary and law enforcement, to inform the community about the seriousness of these issues and to stress that such behaviors are not only unacceptable but also carry legal repercussions. Mrs. Denis pointed out that ignorance is no excuse for these actions.
Mrs. Nike Denis thereby encouraged the stakeholders to disseminate this important mission within their respective communities.
And also expressed appreciation for the presence of key community figures, including Hon. Wasiu Adesina, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government Area, Hon. Lateef Afinni; Chief Mrs. (Deaconess) Busola Isikalu, Iya’Oloja General of the Ikorodu Division; The Ikorodu Division APC Woman Leader and Special Assistant to the Chairman on Women Affairs, Alhaja Rasheedat Bello, along with other prominent local chiefs i.e. Chief Olomo Olukayode, Baale Ojogbe; Chief Olukotun Ibrahim, Baale Aga; Chief Awomodu Adedayo, Baale Ewu-Owa; Chief Lawal Rasheed, Baale Igbaga Tikarewa; Chief Lookman Awomodu, Baale Awomu; Chief Salau Adesina, Baale Ojoru; Chief Banjoko Adeniyi, Baale Igbodu; The CDC Chairman and CDA Chairmen are involved in this initiative.
“We are truly honoured”, said Mrs. Nike Denis, the National Administrator for Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria.
Stay tuned for more details about this initiative, which will be shared tomorrow at the same location in due course.
Notice: For more information, kindly click on the International link below:👇🏿
• Instagram: @downsyndrome.org.ng
• Twitter(X): @downsyndrome.org.ng
• Facebook: @downsyndrome.org.ng
● X: @IDA_CRPD_Forum https:/x.com/IDA_CRPD_Forum
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40771342/admin/dashboard/
● Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/InternationalDisabilityAllianceIDA
● Instagram: @intdisabilityalliance (https://www.instagram.com/intdisabilityalliance/)
● X: @_ATscale
● LinkedIn: @ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
● Facebook: @ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
● Instagram: @atscale_partnership
● X: @Unlock_Everyday
● Facebook: Unlock The Everyday
● Instagram: @unlocktheeveryday
LaRoyal Global CommunityNews: 2025 © Edition.
