Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a mother on a mission. When her daughter Simone was diagnosed late with Down syndrome and faced life-threatening heart complications, Tonye turned her pain into purpose. Seeing the lack of representation for Black children with special needs, she created Ugo and Sim Sim, the first picture book series featuring a Black main character with Down syndrome, and the first baby board book 100% made in Nigeria, Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables.
Determined to challenge perceptions, she founded Simone’s Oasis Foundation, using storytelling and art to reshape how the world sees neurodiversity. Her advocacy has taken her to global platforms, including the United Nations in New York, where she spoke on improving support for families of children with Down syndrome. She co-produced and co-hosted the podcasts Special Mums Africa: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting and the award-nominated Represented: Storybooks and More for African Kids with her son, Ugo.
Her work has been recognised by the American Express and The Guardian UK, but for her, the real reward is breaking barriers and changing lives, one story at a time.