Meristem Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of Meristem Securities Limited and a leading provider of trustee and estate planning services in Nigeria, has officially launched its Special Needs Trust.
The firm said that the pioneering solution is designed to provide long-term financial security and care for individuals living with physical and developmental differences.
The Special Needs Trust offers families a structured framework to safeguard the future of their loved ones with special needs. It enables them to set aside funds that are professionally managed by Meristem Trustees, ensuring continuity of care and financial stability beyond the lifetime or capacity of caregivers.
The trust can cover essentials such as medical care, education, daily living support, and long-term welfare.
Speaking at the launch event at the Meristem Securities HQ, which brought together advocacy groups, caregivers, families, and members of the media, Managing Director of Meristem Trustees Limited, Damilola Hassan, highlighted the vision behind the initiative.
“Every parent or guardian of a dependent with special needs carries a silent question: Who will care for my loved one when I can no longer? With the Special Needs Trust, we provide not just a financial solution but peace of mind; a lasting legacy of care, dignity, and inclusion,” Hassan said.
The event also featured a panel discussion where Miss Tobiloba Ajayi, a special needs advocate, emphasised the importance of planning: “With the evolving world, it is not realistic to rely solely on extended family members for support. You cannot do this alone; you need a support system for your dependents with special needs.”
Closing the ceremony, Mubo Olasoko, Deputy Group Managing Director, Meristem Securities Limited, underscored the broader vision, saying, “At Meristem, we believe wealth management is not just about numbers; it’s about people. The Special Needs Trust embodies our goal of giving families hope and ensuring that dependents living with special needs are not left vulnerable and without structure. It reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem in Nigeria.”
