The Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is set to host its 15th Autism Conference from July 15 to 16, 2025, at the Muson Centre in Lagos, with the theme “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion”.
The conference which aim to promote inclusivity, self-advocacy, and empowerment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),kicked off today with a media briefing at the bank’s headoffice in Akin Adesola Street Victoria Island Lagos where the details of event was shared which include;July 15-16, 2025 (Main Conference);Follow-up Consultations on July 17-19, 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos and the
Ghana Event;July 21-24, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana.
The Group Chief Executive Offiicer,Mr. Segun Agbaje in his welcome address said the Orage Ribbon Initiative began in 2009 as the commitment to advocate for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and to support the families and caregivers who nature them in which the foundation of Autism programme was built on which encourages early intervention and advocates for future where every child is given opportunity to thrive.
The GCEO also said the 15th GTCO Autism programme remains committed to advocacy,support and empowerment of children and adult living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Agbaje went further on the theme “From Awareness to Action:15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion”,he said it challenges them to deepen their understanding, push for better systems and ensure that individuals on the Autism spectrum are not just supported but empowered,included and celebrated.
He then assured Nigerians that the 15th year milestone and reaffirmation of their commitment and 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 created for every child and individual.
The Autism program will feature lectures, panel discussions with seasoned facilitators which include Oyeyemi Patricia Adako, Autism advocate and internationally published researcher;Lanre Duyile, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Founder, Behaviourise Int. Canada;
Benedict O. Sama,Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Behaviour Analyst, and Researcher;Camille Proctor,Founder, Executive Director, Advocate, Public Speaker, Researcher, and Mom;Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behavior Analyst and Qualified Autism Services Practitioner, and performances showcasing diverse talents in the autism community.
