By Akinwale Kasali

 

 

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO, has reiterated its commitment to promote inclusivity, equity, diversity, self advocacy and empowerment as the Group holds announces the 2024 Autism Program.

 

The 2024 Edition makes it the 14th edition in the history of GTCO’s Autism Conference, with the program themed; “A Spectrum of Possibilities”.

 

Over the years, the GTCO Autism program is targeted at creating a society where everyone can thrive and reach their full potentials, irrespective of their of background and abilities.

 

At a Press Conference held at the GTCO Headquarters in Lagos, the Group stated that the GTCO Autism Program is a flagship project under the Orange Ribbon Initiative has established itself as a beacon of hope and a reference point for Autism advocacy and intervention in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

 

 

Charles Eremi, GTCO, Head, Corporate Communications, said that the Group has over the years been able to change the narrative, by broadening the horizon of people on what Autism is all about.

 

“GTCO chose the theme to acknowledge and celebrate thos diversity and recognizing that each person living with Autism has their own unique strengths, challenges and potentials”.

 

Speaking on how the Group has been able to reach out to people living innthe hinterlands and making them understand that Autism isn’t a disease but a difference, Eremi said, “This is the 14th Edition, and we have been able to create Ambassadors who will preach the Autism gospel and create awareness to the people living in slums and other areas. We went at far as doing Radio jingles, adverts and doing publicity in local dialects to pass the Autism message and make them understand that there are inbuilt potentials in this kids”.

 

This Year’s program is set to hold on the 15th and 16th, July 2024 at the Muson Center, Lagos, whilst the free one on one clinic consultations will open from 16th-20th July, 2024 at the Chapel of Light, Alaska, Ikeja, Lagos.

 

The program is expected to create a platform where families, Guardians and Caregivers can connect with experts and share experiences, insights and information.

 

It is also expected to be an interactive platform that will facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on various aspects of Autism.

 

Eremi added that the Autism Campaign and Awareness train will move to Ghana, and will begin with a workshop on the 23rd July,2024 at the University of Profesional Studies, Accra, Ghana,and consultations will last from July 23rd to 27th at the same venue.

 

Osezusi Bolodeoku, one of the facilitators said that GTCO is spreadjng its tentacles in bringing everyone on board, adding that Autism isn’t a disease but a difference.