After fourteen years of championing awareness, advocacy, and programmes aimed at accelerating autism understanding and support, foremost financial giant GTCO is carrying the torch forward to action and advancing autism inclusion at this year’s GTCO Autism Conference.
Themed “From Awareness To Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion,”15th Annual Autism Conference is placing a crucial spotlight on the imperative need for early intervention and inclusive practices in autism care.
Set to hold from July 15th to 16th at the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos, and set to continue with a one on one consultation at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat on 17th to 19th the landmark conference has already generated momentum among stakeholders who are emphasizing the power of awareness coupled with decisive action.
During a media briefing held Thursday at the GTBank Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos, Head of Corporate Communication for GTCO, Oyinade Adegite, articulated the company’s unwavering dedication to fostering understanding and championing inclusion within Nigerian communities.
“We have to go to communities, spread the news and advocate that we understand that people with Autism are different and it doesn’t make them bad,” Adegite stated, emphasizing the fundamental need to shift societal perceptions and embrace neurodiversity.
Adegite painted a picture of the communication challenges faced by individuals with autism, stressing the organization’s role as an amplifier for voices that often go unheard. “Sometimes we ask ourselves what can be worth it other than giving a voice to people who don’t have a voice. And sometimes we can speak, and sometimes we feel like we are not heard. It’s something that bothers us. And then you can imagine for children and adults who don’t even find ways of expressing themselves and calling on society and communities to understand the differences.”
Dr. Grace Bamgboye, a distinguished speech and language pathologist, reinforced the conference’s core message by emphasizing the transformative impact of early intervention strategies. “The earlier we can identify and intervene, the better the outcomes for these children,” she explained, highlighting the critical window of opportunity that exists in early childhood development.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the conversation, Solape Azazi, a dedicated autism advocate, drew from her own journey navigating support systems to illuminate the gaps that persist in current service provision. “Many families are left to fend for themselves, without access to the necessary tools and support to help their children thrive,” she revealed, underscoring the urgent need for more comprehensive resources and support networks.
GTCO’s decade-and-a-half commitment to autism awareness and inclusion has catalyzed meaningful progress in promoting understanding and acceptance across Nigeria. The company’s sustained initiative has created an invaluable platform where families and individuals touched by autism can share their experiences, forge connections, and find solidarity with others who understand their unique journey.
The upcoming conference promises a comprehensive programme featuring workshops, specialized clinics, and advocacy sessions, all meticulously designed to advance autism awareness and foster genuine inclusion. The event reinforces a fundamental truth: with appropriate resources, understanding, and support, individuals with autism can lead rich, fulfilling lives while contributing meaningfully to the diversity and vibrancy of their communities.