Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has unveiled the schedule for the 2023 GTCO Autism Conference and subsequent consultation sessions.
The focal theme for this year’s program is “Empowering Voices for Autism,” emphasizing the promotion of inclusivity and self-advocacy for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
L-R: Unoaku Sheidu, Corporate Communications, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, Behavioral Analyst and Founder, FOS ABA Centre & Creative Hub; Remi Olutimayin, Autism Advocate, Writer & Producer; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communication Officer, GTCO Plc; Solape Azazi, Founder, Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative and Tolulope Onipede, Head, Corporate Communications GTBank during the Media Briefing on the 13th Edition of the GTCO Annual Autism Conference held yesterday in Lagos.
As an outgrowth of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, the GTCO Autism Conference has evolved into a leading advocate for autism awareness and intervention in Africa, providing invaluable support and empowerment to thousands of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collaborating with specialists and partner organizations both within and outside Nigeria, the conference will offer a diverse range of activities, including lectures, panel discussions, and performances thoughtfully curated to showcase the remarkable talents within the autism community.
Also, the event aims to foster connections and idea-sharing between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families with subject-matter experts, covering various aspects of autism spectrum disorder, including its nature and management.
In Nigeria, the conference is scheduled to take place on July 24th and 25th at the Muson Centre in Lagos. Furthermore, a free one-on-one clinic will be available from July 26th to 29th at the Chapel of Light in Alausa, Ikeja.
For Ghana, the activities will commence with a workshop on August 1st at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, followed by consultations lasting from August 2nd to 5th at the same venue.
Speaking on the 2023 GTCO Autism Conference, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said:
“Society thrives when diverse individuals with their distinctive voices, perspectives, and cultures are welcomed and celebrated. It is therefore important that persons on the ASD spectrum are given the chance to succeed and empowered to experience life to its fullest.”
He further added: “We are excited about the evolving insights on the management of autism and remain committed to ensuring that more and more persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are able to find their voice and embrace their uniqueness whilst contributing meaningfully to society.”
GTCO stands as a prominent financial services group, operating banks in Nigeria, West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom.
The company has also ventured into new domains such as Payment, Funds Management, and Pension Fund Administration. With its remarkable presence in the banking industry and dedication to empowering individuals and communities, GTCO has garnered numerous prestigious awards over the years.
Notably, at the 2021 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, GTCO was acknowledged as Africa’s Best Bank and also received the Best Bank in Nigeria accolade. Additionally, in the 2022 ranking of The Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, GTCO retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Financial Services Brand.
For those interested in the GTCO Autism Conference and accessing free consultations, further details can be found at: https://csr.gtbank.com/autism.
Olutimayin, also billed to participate at the Conference as one of the resource persons, stated, ”It’s just scary when you realize, as somebody living such condition, that you don’t fit in. It’s either you are too low or too high. That is why I will be speaking from the position of experience at the conference and be telling those with the disorder how I was able to make it despite the challenge.”
