GTCO makes giant strides in autism advocacy, touches over 5,000 families

July 17, 2025 Tony Nwakaegho

L–R: Rashard Dobbins, Performer and Production Professional; Lanre Duyile, Behaviour Analyst and Consultant; Solape Azazi, Behaviour Analyst and Autism Advocate; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc; Babajide Okuntola, Deputy Managing Director, GTBank and Grace Bamgboye, Consultant Speech-Language Pathologist at the 15th edition of the GTCO Autism Conference held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCo) has reiterated its commitment to autism advocacy in Nigeria following some giant strides the company has made on this journey in the last 15 years, which has positively impacted the lives of over 5,000 families through the programme.

In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, welcomed everyone to the 15th edition of the GTCO Autism Conference.

Mr. Agbaje stated that the journey began in 2009 with a commitment to advocate for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, (ASD), to stop the stigmatisation, and support parents and caregivers alike.

According to him, in addition to touching many lives, the company has promoted awareness and support for children and other individuals living with neurodevelopmental disorders, adding “we have built a space for dialogue, learning and transformation, not just for the autism community, but for all of us working towards a more compassionate world.”

“This year, as we mark an important milestone, we turn our focus on the theme: From Awareness to Action: 15 years of advancing autism inclusion”, the GTCO GCEO added.

He stated further, “the theme challenges us to deepen our understanding, push for a better system and ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum are not just supported, but empowered, included and celebrated.”

Mr. Agbaje declared that the 15 years milestone is a reaffirmation of our commitment, a reminder that inclusion and acceptance is a responsibility, and that progress is measured not by policies and programmes but by the everyday opportunities we create for every child and every individual.

Speaking during a media briefing recently ahead of the 2025 programme, Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communication Officer, GTCO Plc highlighted that a major component of autism advocacy initiative is the annual autism conference, designed to amplify the challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, (ASD) and provide practical support to help them integrate successfully into the society.

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