Etisalat Supports Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria …As 2013 Awareness Week ends

Nigeria’s most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat has been commended for its efforts in supporting the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), a non-profit organization supporting children born with down syndrome in Nigeria, at the just concluded Down Syndrome Awareness Week in Lagos.

L-R- TV Presenter, Frank Edoho; National President, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, Rose Mordi; Head, Quality Assurance and Training, Etisalat Nigeria, Flora Ekundayo and Specialist, Social Media Support, Andrew Enebeli, during a charity football match organized for the Down Syndrome Awareness week, sponsored by Etisalat, held at Union Bank Sports Complex, Bode Thomas, Lagos, Yesterday, Sunday, 13th October.

The one week awareness campaign, tagged “I have a Voice,” was kicked off with a charity walk, followed by a seminar as well as a gala/award night that hosted parents, organisations, sponsors, volunteers and partners. The campaign was rounded off with a charity 5-a-side football competition last weekend.

Shedding more light on the activities, Founder and National President, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, Mrs. Rose Mordi said “this year marks the 12th successive awareness week for DSF Nigeria. The campaign is a coordinated programme of Down Syndrome Associations worldwide that aims to increase the awareness of the condition and to raise the much needed funds to continue the vital work that is being done. Etisalat is one of our sponsors this year and we are very thankful for the good works they have done for these children.”

L-R: A child born with Down Syndrome, Durotimi Otegbade, Volunteer for Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, Amaka Awogu; another child born with the syndrome, Bolaji Eyimakinwa; Head, Quality Assurance and Training, Etisalat Nigeria, Flora Ekundayo; National President of Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, Rose Mordi and a Parent, Bidemi Ogidiolu, at the grand finale of the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria Awareness Week, sponsored by Etisalat, held at Union Bank Sports Complex, Bode Thomas, Lagos, Yesterday, Sunday, 13th October.

She also commended Etisalat for supporting the Foundation and urged other corporate bodies to emulate them as this is the only way Nigeria can be great in all aspect. “We are grateful to Etisalat and we hope that other companies will take a cue from the leadership Etisalat has shown,” she said.

Commenting on Etisalat’s participation at the 2013 awareness week, Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye said Etisalat was participating in the 2013 Down Syndrome awareness week as part of its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, especially those with special needs. “Etisalat is a socially responsible organisation and we identify with organisations that provide humanitarian services to the people that require them. Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria is one of such organisations and we are happy to be partners in this noble cause so that everyone is aware of the condition and able to show love to these kids,” he said.

Also speaking at the final event to mark the end of the awareness week, Head, Quality Assurance and Training, Etisalat Nigeria, Flora Ekundayo said that Etisalat was happy to be identified with the Foundation. “We feel very happy to know that there is a foundation doing such great work here in Nigeria. The awareness creation will go a long way to reduce the level of discrimination these children face on a daily basis. We are happy to be a part of this humanitarian service dedicated to put smiles on the faces of these kids, as a way of giving back to the society,” she said.