GTCO Urges Action, Not Just Awareness, on Autism Support
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has emphasized the need for Nigeria to shift from simply creating awareness about autism to taking meaningful and inclusive action. This call was made during a press conference ahead of the 15th GTCO Autism Conference themed “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion.”
GTCO’s Group CEO, Segun Agbaje, said the organization’s Orange Ribbon Initiative, launched over a decade ago, has helped thousands of families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) access valuable resources and consultations. “What started as a simple but focused effort has grown to shape how we advocate, how we listen, and how we respond,” he stated.
How Nigerians Can Benefit
The 2025 Autism Conference will run from July 15 to 19 across two locations—Lagos Island and Ikeja. Here’s how you or someone you know can benefit:
Free One-on-One Consultations: Local and international autism specialists offer free evaluations and guidance for individuals with ASD.
Capacity-Building for Caregivers and Professionals: There will be training for parents, educators, healthcare workers, and therapists to improve their knowledge of autism care.
Panel Discussions and Talks: Experts like Dr. Bernadette Kilo, Solape Azazi, and Carmella Hay will speak on early diagnosis, inclusive education, and long-term care.
Networking and Support: Attendees can connect with support groups, therapists, and advocacy organizations for ongoing assistance.
“Inclusion and acceptance are responsibilities. Progress is not just policies and programmes, but the everyday opportunities we create for every child.” — Segun Agbaje
A Model for Community Support
Agbaje praised the collaboration with organizations such as Autism Compassion Africa (Ghana), Behaviorprise Consulting (Canada), and The Color of Autism Foundation (USA), alongside Nigerian partners like Yaba and Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospitals. Their involvement has made GTCO’s programme a life-changing experience for many.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, GTCO’s Autism Conference offers tools to help children and adults with ASD thrive. It’s a reminder that real impact comes from inclusive action, and that every child deserves a chance to shine.
