Episode #136 with Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie

The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and in today's episode I have a chat with Tonye-Faloughi-Ekezie, author and founder of Simone's Oasis Foundation. Tonye shares with us the story of her daughter, Simone, who has Down's Syndrome, and the journey it has taken her and the family on. Tonye talks about why it was important for her to create an educational and creative platform for black and African children to bring an awareness of Special Needs, representation, inclusivity and empowerment.
Tonye also discusses the many challenges that she has had to face including issues of cultural stigmas within the community, colonised mindset, and rejections. Despite all this, she reveals how important her faith is to her, why motherhood is the best role she has, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.
Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionate
advocate based in Lagos, Nigeria. She and her husband are proud parents to
two children, Ugo and Simone. Her advocacy journey took flight when her
daughter, Simone, was diagnosed late with Down syndrome, resulting in heart
complications during infancy. Simone’s recovery became a catalyst for Tonye's
unwavering commitment to special needs advocacy.
Drawing from her successful career as a TV and film producer, Tonye
recognized a significant lack of representation for black and African children,
particularly those with special needs. This realization spurred her to create
"Ugo and Sim Sim," the world’s first picture book series featuring a black main
character with Down syndrome. She is also the author of Nigeria's pioneering
baby board book, "Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables."
Fueled by her fervour, Tonye founded the Simone’s Oasis Foundation, an
organization that merges creativity with advocacy to reshape societal views on
special needs and neurodiversity. The foundation uses storytelling and artistic
expression to challenge norms and showcase the potential of every child,
regardless of their abilities. Their advocacy spans books, music, music videos,
animation, podcasts, and documentaries.
Tonye is a founding member of the Association of Children’s Authors and
Illustrators of Nigeria and actively contributes to the Creative Industries
Development Bill committee under the office of the Presidency. Her dedication
has made her a sought-after panelist, consultant, facilitator, and speaker on
creative arts and education, animation, parenting, early intervention, and
special needs advocacy.
In addition, Tonye co-produced and co-hosted two podcasts: "Special Mums
Africa: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting" and the award-nominated
"Represented – Storybooks and More for African Kids," co-hosted with her
son, Ugo.
Currently, Tonye is developing several new children's books with Ouida
Publishing.
Her leadership and impact have been recognized globally, with her selection
for the American Express Leadership Academy, which highlights outstanding
non-profit leaders. This acknowledgment fortifies her dedication to nurturing
purposeful leadership, resilience, and innovation within the non-profit sector.
Connect with Simone’s Oasis on all social media platforms, including
YouTube, @simonesoasis.
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at [e-mail].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!