The Team

Mrs. Rose Mordi

National President/ CEO

Mrs. Rose Mordi, a British-trained Business Administrator born on January 13, 1948, is a prominent figure in philanthropy and social impact. Motivated by a profound desire to positively impact lives, Mrs. Mordi founded the Down syndrome Foundation Nigeria in 2001.

As a parent of a daughter with this condition she felt the need to help other families get the right information to help their children live a better life. Departing from the engineering company she co-founded with her husband, Mrs. Mordi embraced a dedicated path of service to humanity. With 23 years of unwavering commitment, the foundation has been at the forefront of addressing the challenges associated with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.

Mrs. Mordi’s recognition in championing the rights and well-being of persons with Down syndrome earned her a representation during the official declaration of March 21 as the World Down syndrome Day held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York in 2011.

Under her leadership, the Down Syndrome Foundation focuses on Medical, Educational, Vocational and Social Integration aspects. Notable achievements include the implementation of the Save-a-life Project (SALP). SALP, an ancillary charity that sponsors corrective surgeries overseas for children born with congenital heart defects.

A mother of four, Mrs. Mordi serves as a spokesperson and advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As the immediate past Chairperson of the Africa Down syndrome Network, she contributed to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on a continental scale. Additionally, she serves as a distinguished Member of the Lagos State office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and holds positions in other relevant organizations. In these capacities, Mrs. Mordi actively contributes to the development and implementation of policies aimed at creating a more accessible and equitable environment for persons with disabilities in Lagos State and beyond.

Mrs. Mordi’s dedication has earned her numerous awards locally and internationally, recognizing her relentless pursuit of social justice and equity for persons with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.

Mrs. Rose Mordi’s advocacy extends far beyond her immediate roles. As a mother, spokesperson, and influencer within esteemed organizations, she leverages her expertise to drive positive change at local, regional, and continental levels. Her proactive engagement with governmental committees underscores her dedication to creating a more inclusive society through impactful policy reform and implementation. Mrs. Mordi’s leadership stands as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the transformative power of advocacy when driven by a deep commitment to positive societal change.

Mrs. Nike Denis

National Administrator

Mrs. Nike Denis is a results-driven professional with a diverse and accomplished professional background of over 25 years of leadership, she holds a Special Executive Master’s Program (SEMP) in Business Administration (MBA) from the Metropolitan School of Business, UK, an MSc in Public Health (MPH) from Florida International University Miami, Florida, and a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Sussex Falmer, England. Her educational journey is complemented by child welfare certifications from the Florida State Department of Health & Human Services.

With her years of experience spanning various sectors globally, Mrs. Denis has excelled in roles such as Director of Administration/Corporate Affairs, Project Manager/Festival Director, and Director of Operations. Notably, her extensive service with the Florida and Oregon State Governments showcases her dedication to public service in roles like Director of Permanency Planning, Government Analyst, and Quality Assurance Specialist. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, lead global teams, and drive both business and social initiatives demonstrates a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise.

In her current position at the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, Mrs. Denis’s commitment to public service and compassion for humanity has quickly translated into impactful contributions. Drawing on her background in community engagement and advocacy, she has swiftly grasped the intricacies of the challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome.

Mrs. Denis has leveraged her knowledge and skills to review and enhance existing programs, ensuring they address specific needs of the Community being served, demonstrating the ability to strategize and execute in alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Her proactive approach to raising awareness has already shown tangible results, creating a more informed and supportive environment for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Her ability to seamlessly blend strategic planning, business management, and public service has positioned her as a versatile professional. Whether navigating executive choices, overseeing operational activities, or spearheading large-scale events, she brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and a results-oriented mindset to every endeavor.

Mrs. Denis is a member of the International Women’s Society (IWS) Nigeria and a proud Alumna and past vice president of her secondary school class set – Methodist Girls’ High School Yaba Lagos.

Mr. Sunday Ojo

Head of Education

Mr. Sunday Ojo is a thoroughbred professional with almost a decade and a half of experience, both professionally and personally, working with children and young adults with special needs.
As a dedicated child rights advocate, he is committed to the overall well-being and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in all spheres of human endeavor.
He earned a BSc (Hons) in Sociology and Anthropology from the prestigious Ekiti State University, formerly the University of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, in 2001.
In addition to his academic achievements, he is a trained special educator and caregiver, having participated in various certified training programs. Currently, he serves as the Head of Education and Social Services at the Foundation.
His impactful contributions include the establishment of the Occupational Therapy Unit within the Foundation. Prior to his role here, Sunday Ojo worked with different organisations in the field, bringing a wealth of

experience. He continues to enhance his expertise through diverse training and workshops in special education, caregiving, and safeguarding.
Notably, he has conducted awareness campaigns in various states across Nigeria, focusing on social and intervention awareness for children and young adults with special needs. Sunday Ojo’s commitment to the cause reflects in his extensive professional background and continuous efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs.

Mr. Sonnie Innocent Okuru

Project manager/ Deputy Head of Education

Mr. Innocent Okuru is a dedicated, organised, and methodical individual with good interpersonal skills. An excellent team worker, he is very willing to learn and develop new skills. A reliable and dependable young man, he is passionate about persons with disabilities and serves as an advocate for them.
He holds a B.Sc from the Department of Educational Foundations (Adult and Community Education Option) at the prestigious Rivers State University, graduating from NYSC in 2019. As a trained Special Educator, he has over five (5) years of working experience with the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria. Currently, he serves as the Project Coordinator/Deputy Head of School at the foundation and is a trained Safeguarding Focal personnel.
Innocent has represented the organization in various trainings and functions across different states of the country. He has conducted training sessions, holds certifications in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Inclusive Development for Young People with Disabilities, Self-Advocates and Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Research Capacity Building for Disability, and STEMs and Robotics.

Mr. Muniru Bakare

Finance

Mr. Muniru Bakare is a seasoned accountant and auditor with over 30 years of practical experience in accounting, auditing, and taxation.
He holds a BSc in Accounting and a Post Professional Diploma from the Nigerian College of Accountancy, Jos. A member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Bakare has practiced with J. Kola Odumeru & Partners and Ajibola Bakare & Co. He has successfully managed accounting and auditing assignments across industry, commerce, and the public sector throughout his career.

Mrs. Fynecontry Blessing Ijeoma

Legal

Mrs. Fynecontry Blessing Ijeoma graduated and obtained her Law Degree from the University of Calabar in 2006. She went through Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in November, 2007. She started law practice exactly five (5) days after her call to bar and had been in uninterrupted active practice till date. She returned to the University of Lagos for her Master of Laws (LL M) Degree in 2010.

Mrs. Fynecontry formal work experience started during the mandatory National Youth Service program in Bauchi City at the Law firm of Mr. Kefas Magaji of K. Magaji and Associates the then Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Bauchi State Branch and former Chairman, Nigeria Law Reform Commission.

While serving, she also developed her passion for advocacy/Volunteer work for causes that will benefit the vulnerable in the society. Right from the Orientation camp in her state of service, she volunteered and worked at the Orientation Broadcasting Services (OBS) educating Corp members on the legal provisions in the NYSC Bye-law regulating activities in camp and hereby helping to ensure Corp members are properly educated on the basic legal regulations guiding their stay in camp and not break laws. After camp, she continued in her volunteer work by joining the legal aid community development where she led an active prison decongestion campaign, providing free legal aid/services to poor inmates which gained her a special recognition/appreciation award at the end of the service year.

She also volunteered and worked as a part time lecturing/tutor assistant for National Diploma I and II students at the Bauchi Federal Polytechnic teaching them legal system and company law. At the end of the service year, she was retained in her place of primary assignment where she worked till 2009 when she relocated out of Bauchi to Lagos State.

She worked with Pisces and Gemini Law Office (P.A.G.E), from 2009 till April, 2017 in which office she rose to the position of Head of Chamber before she started her own practice – B. Fynecontry & Associates. While running her chambers, she also renders legal consultancy services to other law firms like Kunle Olaleye & Associates, C. G. Uguru & Co., Fourth Circle Attorneys, as well as volunteering for Down syndrome Foundation Nigeria, a Not for Profit Organization (N.G.O) particularly specialized in advocating for children and young adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disability. She is currently the Legal Resource person/adviser for Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN).

In the course of her advocacy campaigns for persons with Down syndrome and other intellectual disability, she had written several published articles/opinions highlighting and pushing for the recognition and implementation of the social, educational and economic rights and inclusion of persons with intellectual disability, particularly Down syndrome.

Mrs. Fynecontry does not shy away from taking up leadership challenges. She believes in collective team success which had led her to holding different leadership positions which include:

Chairperson, Legal Representation, Legal Aid Community Development Services- Bauchi, 2007/2008 Batch B’ Set.

The Class Representative/Coordinator, Constitutional Law Class of 2011/12, School of Post Graduate Studies, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

Vice President, Youth Wing of RCCG, Jesus Embassy Parish, Lagos province 87, 2011-2012