Meristem Trustees Brings in Families Security and Healthcare

Meristem Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of Meristem Securities Limited, has launched Nigeria’s first Special Needs Trust, a pioneering financial solution designed to provide lasting care and security for individuals living with physical and developmental challenges.

The trust offers families a structured way to set aside and professionally manage funds for dependents, covering essential needs such as healthcare, education, daily living support, and long-term welfare. By doing so, it ensures stability and continuity of care beyond the lifetime or capacity of parents and guardians.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Managing Director of Meristem Trustees, Damilola Hassan, said the initiative addresses one of the most pressing concerns of caregivers: the uncertainty of who will provide for their loved ones in the future.

“Every parent of a dependent with special needs carries a silent question: Who will care for my loved one when I no longer can? With this trust, we are giving not just a financial plan, but peace of mind a legacy of care, dignity, and inclusion,” she said.

Special needs advocate, Miss Tobiloba Ajayi, who spoke during a panel session, emphasized the importance of early planning, stressing that families can no longer rely solely on relatives for long-term support.

Meristem’s Deputy Group Managing Director, Mubo Olasoko, noted that the initiative reflects the company’s vision of people-focused wealth management. “This is not just finance, it is inclusion. By safeguarding vulnerable dependents, we are also easing the emotional and financial burden on families and helping to build a more resilient economy,” she said.

The launch was attended by advocacy groups, families, caregivers, and stakeholders, who hailed the initiative as a critical step toward financial inclusion and social security for vulnerable communities.