GTCO Announces 16th Autism Conference, Offers Free Consultations for Families in Nigeria and Ghana
GTCO Announces 16th Autism Conference, Offers Free Consultations for Families in Nigeria and Ghana
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has unveiled plans for its 16th Annual Autism Conference, scheduled for July 27 and 28, 2026, in Lagos, with free post-conference consultations for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families as part of its continued commitment to promoting autism awareness, inclusion and access to developmental support.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced the 16th edition of its Annual Autism Conference, themed "Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces."
The two-day conference will take place on July 27 and 28, 2026, at the Muson Centre in Lagos and will be followed by free one-on-one family consultation sessions with medical and developmental specialists from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
According to GTCO, the conference remains one of West Africa's foremost platforms for autism advocacy, bringing together healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, policymakers, caregivers and families to promote greater understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and strengthen support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Group said this year's theme underscores the need to move beyond awareness by fostering inclusive environments where individuals with autism are accepted, supported and empowered at home, in schools, workplaces and public spaces.
The 2026 programme will feature expert-led panel discussions, workshops and free consultation sessions facilitated by renowned local and international specialists in developmental and behavioural sciences. Key areas of focus will include early intervention, behavioural therapy, communication strategies, inclusive education and caregiver support.
Beyond Nigeria, GTCO said the programme will also be held in Ghana, beginning with a workshop on August 4 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, followed by free consultation sessions from August 5 to 8 at the same venue.
Commenting on the initiative, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, said the programme has evolved over the past 16 years into a strong platform for supporting families and advancing autism inclusion.
"Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve. This year's theme, 'Acceptance in Action,' challenges all of us to move past good intentions and start making inclusion visible in the way we design our schools, structure our workplaces and welcome one another in public spaces," he said.
Agbaje stressed that building an inclusive society requires collective action from families, educators, employers and policymakers.
"No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to keep bringing the right expertise and resources to the table so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine chance to participate fully and confidently in everyday life," he added.
GTCO said the annual autism programme continues to provide families with access to professional guidance, developmental support and learning opportunities aimed at improving outcomes for individuals living with autism.
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