GTCO rolls out plans for Annual Autism Conference

Guaranty Trust Holding PLC ( GTCO) has announced that the 14th edition of it’s annual Autism Programme and follow-up consultations will hold from July 15-16, 2024 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The programme with the theme, ‘A Spectrum of Possibilities’ according to Charles Eremi, the Group Corporate Communications Manager of GTCO is aimed at promoting inclusivity, self- advocacy and empowerment for persons with autism.

He explained that the theme aligns with the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with it’s goal of creating a society where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential regardless of their background or abilities positing that the theme acknowledges and celebrates this diversity, recognizing that each person living with autism has their own unique strengths , challenges and potentials.

He further stated that the GTCO Autism programme is a flagship project under the Orange Ribon initiative of the company which has established itself as a beacon of hope and reference point to autism advocacy and intervention in Africa and that over the years, the programme has made significant impact , providing support and empowerment to thousands of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Eremi further announced that in collaboration with specialists and partner organisations from within and outside Nigeria, the programme will feature; lectures, panel discussions and performances carefully prepared to showcase the diverse talents that exist in the autism community just as he revealed that the train will later move to Ghana.

” The programme will also create a platform where families and guardians can connect with experts and share experiences and insights. The interactive platform will facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on various aspects of autism.

” In Nigeria, the event will hold from July 15-16 at Muson Centre. There’ll be a free one- on- one clinic consultations from July 16-20 at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja while in Ghana, activities will begin with a workshop on the 23rd of July at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana while consultations will last from July 23- 27 at the same venue”, he explained.

Commenting on the programme, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, stated ” 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 autism find their passion, develop skills and make meaningful impact on society”.

He added.” We’re learning 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’re committed to making this possible; by working together, we can build a society that values diversity, promotes inclusion and empowers everyone to thrive”, concluded the GTCO CEO whose Group’s flagship banking franchise , Guaranty Trust Bank was Nigeria’s Best Bank and Best Bank in CSR at the 2023 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists, Remi Olutomayin, Bode Abifarin, Solape Azazi and Benedict Sama while sharing their experiences with Autistic people commended GTCO for sustaining the programme for 14 years which they said really made Nigerians become more aware about autism.
They appealed to parents with children with autism and the general public to accept them as one of their own, reminding them that being autistic does not have to stop one from having a good life, make friends, have relationships or get a job neither does being autistic a death sentence since like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with.
Meanwhile, the programme of activities for the two day event indicates that there will be panel of discussants in Day 1 who will be speaking on various topics. The panelists includes; Lanre Duyile ( Using Antecedent Manipulations to improve Learning and Behaviour), Eniola Lahanmi ( Fundamental Communication Strategies for children with Autism), Nadia Hamilton ( Enhancing Life Skills and Independence through technology), Benedict. O. Sama ( Autism and Anxiety Management strategies and support).
Others are; Bernadette Kilo, Osazusi Bolodeoku and Noimot Balogun who will be speaking on Developing Early Support programs for Children with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Educators and it will be moderated by Joann Anokwuru while the topic on Navigating Life Transitions : Addressing puberty and adulthood challenges will be handled by Mashudat Bello- Mojeed, Tonye Faloughi Ekezie and Modupe Imasogie with Lanre Duyile serving as the moderator.

Day 2 will be the turn of Tomi Agboola who will be speaking on Communication across the Spectrum, Modupe Imasogie ( ASD and Psychiatric combordities ), Bernadette Kilo ( The importance of Early Detection and Intervention of Autism) and Ade Otubanjo ( Communication Milestones)
Also to speak on Day 2 are; Nadia Hamilton, Remi Olutimayin and Camille Proctor with Joy Ovioje as the moderator and they’ll will be treating the topic, Promoting independence and life skills : Exploring strategies for teaching independence and life skills while Eniola Lahanmi, Afeez Abdulrazak , Ade Otubanjo and Bode Abifarin will handle Challenges and Solutions in teaching Communication skills with Solape Azazi serving as the moderator.