Empowerment

GTCO Autism Inclusion Drive Marks 15 Years of Meaningful National Impact

Published

1 year ago

July 11, 2025

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.

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

2 weeks ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

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The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

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Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.