...Advocates Nationwide Commitment Ahead Of Annual Conference
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has urged Nigeria to transition from passive awareness to the implementation of strong support systems for Nigerians living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The
call comes as GTCO announces the 2025 edition of its 15th annual autism
conference, themed, “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism
Inclusion.” The conference is slated for 15–19 July and will be held across two
key locations in Lagos: Muson Centre, Onikan and Alausa Secretariat,
Ikeja.
At
a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Segun Agbaje, GTCO’s Chief Executive
Officer, underscored the need to “move beyond awareness to implementing
meaningful support systems.”
Agbaje
noted that the initiative, launched through the company’s Orange Ribbon
Initiative, has grown into a transformative force in the fight for autism
inclusion.
“What
started as a simple but focused effort has grown to shape how we advocate, how
we listen, and how we respond. This is the foundation upon which the Autism
Programme is built; one that champions acceptance, encourages early
intervention, and advocates for a future where every child is given the
opportunity to thrive.”
Agbaje
highlighted that inclusion should extend beyond policy statements or occasional
events, stating, “This 15th year milestone is a reaffirmation of our
commitment; a reminder that inclusion and acceptance is a responsibility, and
that progress is measured not only by policies and programmes but by the
everyday opportunities we create for every child and individual.”
The
GTCO Autism Programme offers a wide range of support, including annual
conferences, free one-on-one consultations with both local and international
autism specialists, panel discussions, and training sessions for caregivers,
educators, and healthcare professionals.
Reflecting
on the programme’s growth over the years, Agbaje noted that thousands of
individuals with ASD and their families have benefited from the initiative.
“The knowledge shared through our conferences has become a tool for
transformation for many,” he said.
While
acknowledging the communication and social challenges faced by individuals with
autism, Agbaje also underscored their unique abilities. “We are motivated by
these observations to assist with their challenges while fostering their
creative talents and other aspirations."
The
GTCO’s Chief Executive Officer, appreciated the programme’s local and
international partners, including Autism Compassion Africa (Ghana),
Behaviorprise Consulting (Canada), The Colour of Autism Foundation (USA), and
Nigeria’s Yaba and Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospitals. “The Orange Ribbon
Initiative could not support persons on the autism spectrum and their families
without the continuing collaborative efforts of many individuals and
organisations,” he stressed.
Also,
Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communication Officer, GTCO, underscoring the
evolution of the initiative, which she described as a lifeline for families
navigating the challenges of autism.
So
far, over 5,000 families have benefited from the consultation clinics, many of
whom would never have accessed assessments otherwise, he added.
“We
have gone from awareness to tangible action, reaching communities in Lagos,
Abeokuta, and even Ghana.”
She
disclosed that GTCO is consolidating years of internal data to publish a
comprehensive impact report. “Our data shows we have touched over 5,000
families. But beyond numbers, we’ve changed perceptions, challenging stigma and
bringing children out of hiding,” she added.
The
briefing further featured testimonies from professionals and parents who have
benefited from the Orange Ribbon Initiative. Dr. Grace Bamgboye,
Speech-Language Pathologist, commended GTCO for helping to dismantle stigma
around developmental delays. “When I began this work, children with special
needs were hidden away. People would ask, ‘How will you feed yourself as a therapist?’
But today, parents bring babies as young as 11 months."
Bamgboye
emphasised the need to localise autism care and address cultural
misconceptions. “Autism is neurological, not spiritual. In Nigeria,
grandparents are often key decision-makers. We must speak their language
literally and culturally.” She decried the persistent myths blaming autism on
causes like snail consumption during pregnancy or spiritual attacks, urging a
shift toward evidence-based support.
According to her, there is no known cause for autism. “It’s time we stopped blaming parents or prescribing flogging as therapy. The focus now is action, not speculation,” Bamgboye added.
Solape
Azazi, an international advocate, recalled her personal journey that began with
attending the conference eight years ago. “I walked into this space not knowing
where to turn. I said, ‘My child has autism.’ That was the start of my healing
and advocacy. Today, I support not just my son but many others,” Azazi, shared.
On
her part, Osezusi Bolodeoku, an international behaviour analyst, added that the
2025 edition of the conference will be highly practical and rooted in everyday
realities. “Not everyone can afford to see a therapist. This year, we are
meeting parents where they are; right in their kitchens and living rooms. Early
intervention changed my son’s life. He was delayed at 17 months. Today, you
should never guess.”
This
year's annual conference will bring together both local and international
experts in autism care, including speech pathologists, behavioural analysts,
clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and advocates.
Confirmed
facilitators include Camille Proctor, founder of The Colour
of Autism Foundation (USA); Lanre Duyile, a board-certified behaviour analyst
from Endicott College; Mashudat Bello-Mojeed, a professor of psychiatry
and Remi Olutimayin, voice actor and autism advocate.
The
rest are Solape Azazi, international behaviour analyst and founder
of Cradle Lounge; Osezusi Bolodeoku, international behaviour analyst and
founder of FOS ABA Centre Clinic; Ade Otubanjo, speech pathologist; Bernadette
Kilo, developmental paediatrician and Camiella Hay, board certified behaviour
analyst, among others.
