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.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, says the organisation’s 16-year autism advocacy campaign has significantly improved public awareness, but the next phase must focus on meaningful inclusion.
Speaking on day 2 of the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference in Lagos, Agbaje described autism support as “a journey without a destination” and urged governments, schools, employers, and communities to create real opportunities for persons on the autism spectrum.
“Our journey over the last 16 years was to create awareness because too many families lived in denial, and I think we have largely achieved that,” he said.
“The next challenge is learning how to live with people on the spectrum, educating ourselves and making the journey easier for families.”
Agbaje assured participants that the annual conference would continue beyond his tenure.
This year’s theme, *“Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces,”* drew experts, healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and disability advocates who called for urgent action to move autism advocacy beyond awareness to practical inclusion.
Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiatives, Solape Azazi, challenged schools to go beyond admission and create learning environments where autistic children can thrive.
Drawing from her experience as mother to a 12-year-old autistic son, she said many families still face rejection, isolation, caregiver burnout, and mental health challenges.
“Acceptance is a behaviour. It is choosing connection over correction,” Azazi said.
“If your child doesn’t find acceptance at home, how can the child know what acceptance looks like outside?”
She added that with the right support, children on the spectrum can excel academically, but this requires teacher training, parent-educator collaboration, and tailored classroom strategies.
Behaviour Analyst, Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and evidence-based interventions, noting that timely support improves developmental outcomes. She called for stronger collaboration among health professionals, families, schools, and government to expand access to care nationwide.
International Behaviour Analyst, Osezusi Bolodeoku, said inclusion must extend into adulthood. He urged employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations and for public institutions to make spaces more sensory-friendly.
Disability advocate, Afeez Abdul Rasaq, faulted misconceptions about autism and urged governments to implement disability-friendly policies that guarantee access to education, employment, and public services.
“We all have disabilities. The only difference is the severity,” he said.
Speakers agreed that acceptance must translate into action: stronger family support, inclusive education, better employment opportunities, and improved access to diagnosis and mental health services.
As part of the conference, GTCO announced free one-on-one consultations with specialists from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja. Families will have access to behavioural analysts, speech therapists, occupational therapists, developmental psychiatrists, psychologists, and parent counselling.
The annual conference remains central to GTCO’s commitment to advancing autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion across Nigeria and West Africa through sustained advocacy and professional support.
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