GTCO Reinforces Commitment to Autism Awareness at 16th Annual Conference

 GTCO Reinforces Commitment to Autism Awareness at 16th Annual Conference

By Tope Bankole

Photo Caption: L–R: Benedict O. Sama, Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Babajide Okuntola, Deputy Managing Director, GTBank; Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, GTBank; Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst and Autism Advocate; and Camille Proctor, Autism Advocate, during the 16th GTCO Autism Conference held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

LAGOS – Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting autism awareness, early intervention and inclusive support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the successful hosting of its 16th Annual Autism Conference in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, reaffirmed the company's unwavering commitment to promoting autism awareness and expanding access to professional support services for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

"Our commitment to autism advocacy goes beyond hosting an annual conference. We believe every child and adult living with autism deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential in an environment that is inclusive, supportive and free from stigma. Over the past 16 years, this conference has become a platform for bringing together global experts, healthcare professionals, educators, parents and advocates to share knowledge, inspire collaboration and advance practical solutions that improve lives.

"At GTCO, we recognise that awareness must be matched with action. That is why we continue to invest in initiatives that promote early diagnosis, access to quality intervention, capacity building for caregivers and professionals, and stronger community support systems. We are proud that this conference has evolved into one of Africa's leading platforms for autism advocacy, public education and professional development, and we remain committed to working with all stakeholders to build a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive."

He added that sustainable progress in autism care requires collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector, noting that collective action is essential to improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by autism.

The conference, held at the MUSON Centre, brought together leading experts, healthcare professionals, behavioural analysts, educators, parents and autism advocates from Nigeria and abroad to discuss innovative approaches to autism diagnosis, therapy, education and social inclusion.

Leading the GTCO delegation was the Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, alongside the Managing Director of GTBank, Miriam Olusanya; Deputy Managing Director, Babajide Okuntola; and Chief Communications Officer, Oyinade Adegite.

Other notable participants included Benedict O. Sama, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Osezusi Bolodeoku, an International Behaviour Analyst and Autism Advocate; and internationally acclaimed Autism Advocate, Camille Proctor, who shared insights on best practices in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.

The annual conference featured keynote presentations, expert panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to equip parents, caregivers, educators and healthcare practitioners with practical knowledge and evidence-based strategies for improving the quality of life of individuals living with autism.

For over a decade and a half, GTCO has sustained the annual autism conference as part of its broader corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and promoting social inclusion across Nigeria and beyond.