The foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), has intensified efforts to support children and adults with autism in Nigeria and other African countries by ensuring they live normal lives and also become relevant and responsible citizens.
The bank’s group corporate communication, Mr Charles Eremi, made this pledge on Thursday in Lagos at a media interaction to announce this year’s edition of the bank’s annual autism awareness and support programme slated for Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16, at Muson Centre, Lagos.
Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to medical experts, is neither a disease nor an illness but a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people living with the disorder interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
The condition, which is not curable, can be diagnosed at any age, but symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
According to the World Health Organisation, one in 100 children globally lives with autism. In Nigeria, the condition is hardly diagnosed and rarely understood, and children with it often suffer neglect and stigmatisation.
Giving details of this year’s programme, the 14th in the series, Eremi gave the theme “A spectrum of possibilities,” saying it is designed to promote inclusiveness, self-advocacy, and empowerment for persons on the autism spectrum.
According to him, this year’s theme is aligned with GTCO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as its goals of creating a society where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential regardless of their backgrounds.
He said the programme is a flagship project of the group under its Orange Ribbon initiatives, and it has become a beacon of hope and a reference point for autism advocacy and intervention across Africa.
He declared that the programme, over the years, had made a significant impact, providing support and empowerment to thousands of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families.
He disclosed that the programme is being held in collaboration with some specialists and organisations from within and outside Nigeria featuring lectures, panel discussions, and physical performances to showcase diverse talents that exist in the autism community.
While noting that this year’s edition, just like the previous ones, would equally offer families and guardians the opportunity to connect with carers and behavioural experts to share knowledge, experiences, and insights on how best to support and care for children and adults living with autism.
He said GTCO is passionate about the free and open programme and would expect a higher number of attendees this year.
He added that the company would take a similar campaign to other African countries, including Ghana, from July 23 to 27 and that the free one-on-one clinic consultations would open from July 16th to 20th at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Commenting on the programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, in a statement shared with newsmen at the conference, emphasised the company’s commitment to this course and its objectives, especially in line with this year’s theme.
According to him, everyone has something special to offer and we want to help individuals with autism succeed and live a fulfilled life.
“So, by embracing autism as a strength and not a weakness, we can help individuals with autism find their passions, develop skills, and make a meaningful impact in society.
Agbaje added, “We’re learning more about autism every day, and we are dedicated to using that knowledge to make a positive difference. We believe everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life, and we are committed to making that possible By working together, we can build a society that values diversity, promotes inclusion and empowers everyone to thrive.”
In their own contributions to the event, some of the behavioural experts and panellists were billed for the two-day event, and some had children living with autism, including Mrs. Osezusi Bolodeoku and Mr. Bode Adefarin. Getting the right knowledge and support on time would greatly help persons with autism to manage the disorder effectively and their family members to live positively and happily with them.
They said since they gained knowledge and understanding of autism through the past editions of the programme, they have been advocating for society to accept and accommodate people with the disorder.
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