GTCO autism inclusion drive celebrates 15 years of creating lasting support for people with autism, shifting from awareness to inclusive national action

The GTCO autism inclusion drive has reached a major milestone as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc calls for a shift from mere awareness to deliberate national action for people living with autism spectrum disorder.

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Speaking during a press conference ahead of the 15th edition of the GTCO Autism Conference, the Group CEO of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, said the theme, “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion,” reflects the group’s unwavering commitment through the Orange Ribbon Initiative to support and empower individuals with autism across Nigeria.

“What started as a simple but focused effort has grown to shape how we advocate, how we listen, and how we respond,” Agbaje said.

“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.”

He emphasised that inclusion should not be tied to annual events alone but must reflect in daily choices and real opportunities created for individuals with autism.

“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,” he said.

The GTCO autism inclusion drive includes an annual conference, free personal consultations with both international and Nigerian autism specialists, training workshops, and panel sessions for caregivers, educators, and healthcare workers.

According to Agbaje, the initiative has transformed thousands of lives by providing access to crucial support and information.

Agbaje also stressed that while individuals with autism may face communication and social challenges, many possess exceptional talents that must be nurtured.

“We are motivated by these observations to assist with their challenges while fostering their creative talents and other aspirations,” he added.

Commending long-standing partners, Agbaje noted the contributions of international collaborators like Autism Compassion Africa (Ghana), Behaviorprise Consulting (Canada), and The Colour of Autism Foundation (USA), as well as institutions such as Yaba and Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospitals in Nigeria.

“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 involved in making the GTCO Autism Conference a success each year,” he stated.

This year’s event, running from July 15 to 19, 2025, will take place across two venues in Lagos Island and Ikeja.

The programme will feature one-on-one consultations, capacity-building workshops, and community engagement activities to promote early diagnosis, inclusive education, and sustainable support systems for people living with autism.

Confirmed speakers for the 2025 conference include experts such as Lanre Futile, Georgian Koyama, Dr. Bernadette Kilo, Solape Azazi, and Carmella Hay.

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With this 15-year landmark, GTCO is reinforcing its vision of an inclusive Nigeria where children and adults with autism are not sidelined but actively supported to fulfil their potential.