GTCO Marks 15 Years of Autism Advocacy with Pan-African Conference: “From Awareness to Action”

GTCO Marks 15 Years of Autism Advocacy with Pan-African Conference: “From Awareness to Action”

Lagos, Nigeria – July 14, 2025 — Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is set to host the 15th edition of its annual Autism Conference, marking a significant milestone in its unwavering commitment to autism awareness and inclusion across Africa.

Themed “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion,” the flagship event under GTCO’s Orange Ribbon Initiative will take place from Wednesday, July 16 to Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The conference will be followed by free one-on-one clinic consultations scheduled from July 17 to 19 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

As part of its Pan-African outreach, GTCO will also host the second edition of the Autism Conference in Ghana, with a workshop on July 21 and clinic sessions from July 22 to 24 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

Speaking ahead of the event, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reflected on the journey of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, which began in 2009 as a platform to support children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their caregivers.

“What started as a simple but focused effort has evolved into a transformative platform that shapes how we advocate, how we listen, and how we act,” Agbaje said. “This programme champions acceptance, promotes early intervention, and envisions a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

He further emphasized the enduring impact of the initiative, stating, “Now in its fifteenth year, the GTCO Autism Programme remains dedicated to advocacy, support, and empowerment—not just for those living with autism, but for a society that must continue to grow in empathy and inclusion.”

At a press briefing to announce the event, GTCO’s Chief Communications Officer, Ms. Oyinade Adegbite, reaffirmed the company’s sustained commitment to autism advocacy. She noted that the 2025 edition will feature two days of intensive conference sessions facilitated by local and international experts, followed by three days of free clinical consultations for individuals living with autism and their families.

“This year’s programme is structured to create maximum impact,” Adegbite said. “We are bringing in top professionals and practitioners from around the world to engage, educate, and support the autism community—both in Nigeria and Ghana.”

Since its inception, the GTCO Autism Programme has become a leading platform for knowledge-sharing, diagnosis, early intervention, and community support. It continues to champion the rights and potential of individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) while advocating for inclusive public health and education systems across Africa.