Tonye Faloughi, Author at Down Syndrome UK

Tonye Faloughi

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and advocate based in Lagos, Nigeria. Her journey into special needs advocacy began when her daughter Simone was diagnosed late with Down syndrome, leading to life-threatening heart complications. Simone’s recovery inspired Tonye’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities. Drawing on her career as a TV and film producer, Tonye created Ugo and Sim Sim, the world’s first picture book series featuring a Black main character with Down syndrome, and authored Nigeria’s first baby board book. She went on to found the Simone’s Oasis Foundation, which uses storytelling through books, music, animation, podcasts, and documentaries to challenge stereotypes and celebrate neurodiversity.
Tonye has spoken at the United Nations, the Dear Mom Conference in the USA, and presented research at the INSAR Annual Conference. She was named by The Guardian UK as one of the “Ten Most Inspiring People” of 2024 and is a recipient of awards from American Express and the Tides Foundation. Tonye has two new books out titled, I Don’t Like the Birthday Song and Sim Sim Goes to the Salon; a mini book series spin off from Ugo and Sim Sim featuring her Sim Sim character.
Follow Simone’s Oasis across all platforms, including YouTube, @simonesoasis.

A picture shared to use by Black Child Down Syndrome of a young black child with down syndrome. The photo is high quality and he is facing the camera and smiling with his mouth closed

Black maternal health and Down syndrome in the UK: a mother’s perspective

Healthcare, PregnancyBy Tonye Faloughi30 March 2026

A personal reflection on pregnancy, birth, and receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis as a Black mother in the UK. Why lived experiences must shape healthcare conversations. By Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie and Black Child Down Syndrome Project

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Tonye Faloughi

Black maternal health and Down syndrome in the UK: a mother’s perspective

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