GTCO Champions Inclusive Society at 16th Annual Autism Conference | Blissful Affairs Online
……“Acceptance in Action” Takes Center Stage as Experts Call for Greater Inclusion of Persons with Autism
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has once again reinforced its commitment to promoting inclusion and supporting individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the successful hosting of its 16th Annual Autism Conference at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Held on July 27 and 28, 2026, the conference brought together healthcare professionals, educators, parents, corporate leaders, advocates, and members of the autism community under the inspiring theme, “Acceptance in Action.” The event emphasized the importance of moving beyond awareness by encouraging practical steps that foster acceptance and inclusion in homes, schools, workplaces, and society at large.
The conference commenced with a powerful public advocacy campaign across the streets of Lagos bearing the message: “Autism is not a tragedy, ignorance is.” The campaign challenged long-held misconceptions about autism and called on Nigerians to replace stigma with understanding, empathy, and acceptance.
Delivering the keynote address on the opening day, renowned Developmental Pediatrician Dr. Benedet Kilo highlighted the daily realities faced by autistic individuals in environments that often fail to accommodate their unique needs.
“You continue to do the best you can to navigate a society and a community that was never designed for you,” she said, urging policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and families to embrace culturally relevant support systems that reflect African family values and experiences.
The conference also explored the benefits of neurodiversity within the workplace. Through expert presentations and an engaging theatrical performance featuring the fictional character “Amarachi,” participants learned how simple adjustments such as sensory-friendly workspaces, flexible communication styles, and recognition of diverse ways of thinking can unlock innovation and productivity.
The second day shifted attention to families and educational institutions, highlighting the vital role parents and schools play in supporting children with autism. A moving spoken-word presentation celebrating children who “dream in color” set an emotional tone for discussions on collaboration and inclusive education.
Education experts stressed that successful learning outcomes depend on strong partnerships between parents and schools. One school director from Abuja encouraged parents to actively engage with educators, noting that collaboration remains one of the greatest gifts parents can offer their children.
Demonstrating its commitment to practical impact, GTCO complemented the conference with free one-on-one consultations involving developmental pediatricians, behavioral analysts, therapists, and other specialists on July 29 and 30. The initiative provided families with professional guidance and personalized support while reaffirming GTCO’s longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.
The conference attracted several distinguished personalities, including Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc; Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of GTBank; Babajide Okuntola, Deputy Managing Director of GTBank; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer of GTCO Plc; alongside autism advocates Osezusi Bolodeoku and Camille Proctor.
For sixteen consecutive years, GTCO’s Annual Autism Conference has remained one of Africa’s foremost platforms for promoting autism awareness, advocacy, and inclusion. This year’s edition reaffirmed that true progress lies not merely in understanding autism, but in creating communities where every individual is accepted, respected, and empowered to thrive.
As conversations around autism continue to evolve, GTCO’s message remains clear: acceptance must be translated into action. Through sustained advocacy, education, and practical support, society can build a future where people living with autism are not simply accommodated but fully included and celebrated.
