Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie

Language: English

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, mother and entrepreneur based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is married with two children, Ugo and Simone. As a baby, her daughter Simone, had life threatening heart complications resulting from a late diagnosis of Down syndrome.

With her daughter’s eventual recovery and the experience of being a mother, Tonye became a special needs advocate. She created “Ugo and Sim Sim”, the first ever picture book series worldwide to feature a black main character with Down syndrome. Tonye is also the author of the first ever Nigerian produced Baby board book, “Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables”.

Not one to sit still, Tonye has turned her entrepreneurial drive to children’s content after noticing a severe lack of entertainment representing black and African children, special needs children and those who fall into both categories. “Simone’s Oasis: Advocacy through Creativity” is a platform dedicated to black and African children. Through books, animation, podcasts, art, music, videos and workshops, it aims to connect to our children’s very sense of self, because to see yourself represented is extremely powerful and what better way to do that than through entertainment.

Tonye has since become a founding member of the Association of Children’s Authors & Illustrators of Nigeria and committee member on the Creative Industry Development Bill for the office of the Presidency. Her hard work, drive and passion means she is now a sought-after panellist, consultant, facilitator and speaker on topics such as the creative arts and education, animation, parenting, early intervention and special needs advocacy.

Tonye is a rotating presenter on Plus TV Africa show, The Advocate. She is also producer and co-host of two podcasts; “Special Mums Africa: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting” and the award nominated “Represented – Storybooks and more for African Kids” alongside her son, Ugo.

Tonye has three new children’s books in development including the next book from the Ugo and Sim Sim series, as well as a partnership with The Children’s Art Gallery, curating and exhibiting the artworks of children with special needs.

You can find Simone’s Oasis at @simonesoasis on all social media, including YouTube.

The Simone’s Oasis TV broadcast block airs weekly on both Pineapple TV and TVC.