Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an inclusive society and a healthy lifestyle for people with autism.
This is even as it has announced the 2024 GTCO Autism program, a flagship project under the Orange Ribbon Initiative, which has established itself as a beacon of hope and a reference point for autism advocacy and intervention in Africa.
The program is scheduled to hold on July 15 and 16, 2024, at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, whilst the free one-on-one clinic consultations will open from July 16 to 20 at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Meanwhile, activities will begin with a workshop on July 23 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, and consultations will last from July 23 to 27 at the same venue.
Commenting on the 2024 GTCO Autism Program, the group chief executive officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, at a press conference, on Thursday, in Lagos, stated that, “Everyone has something special to offer, and we want to help individuals with autism succeed and lead healthy, supportive lives. By embracing autism as a strength, and not a weakness, we can help individuals with ASD find their passion, develop skills, and make meaningful impact in society.
“We are learning more about autism every day, and we are dedicated to using that knowledge to make a positive difference. We believe that 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,” he added.
Themed: ‘A Spectrum of Possibilities’, Agbaje averred that this year’s program will promote inclusivity, self-advocacy, and empowerment for persons on the Autism Spectrum.
“Over the years, the program has made significant impact, providing support and empowerment to thousands of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. In collaboration with specialists and partner organizations from Nigeria and outside Nigeria, this year’s program will feature lectures, panel discussions, and performances carefully prepared to showcase the diverse talents that exist in the autism community.
“The program will also create a platform where families and guardians can connect with experts and share experiences and insights. This interactive platform will facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on various aspects of autism,” he stated.
Meanwhile, a behaviour analyst, Osezusi Bolodeoku, has applauded GTCO for its consistency in organising the Autism Program over the years.
Speaking on the challenges individuals living with autism were facing, Bolodeoku said the challenges still remain the same, even as she advocated for more awareness, acceptance and accommodation of people living with the condition. “The challenges still remain awareness and acceptance. We need to create awareness to the extent that we do not see people with autism, as someone possessed. We also need to accept them, the way they are and put structures in place, to help them, bring out the possibilities they have in them,” she added.