GTCO Pushes Autism Inclusion Beyond Awareness at 16th Annual Conference

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) has announced its 16th annual Autism Conference, saying it will focus on inclusion across families, classrooms, workplaces, and public spaces.

The event is scheduled to take place from July 27th to July 28th, in Lagos, themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces.

This will be followed by a conference where families can have access to one-on-one consultations. They speak to specialists, have access to developmental support, professional guidance, and learning opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, on his part, said: “We have witnessed firsthand the resilience of individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We have seen parents learn, adapt and transform their homes into spaces of genuine belonging.”

Building on Agbaje’s remarks, this year’s theme reminds us that inclusion is not confined to a single environment or stage of life. It begins at home, where understanding takes root; continues in the classroom, where potential is nurtured; extends into the workplace, where talents can be recognised and developed; and is reflected in public spaces, where individuals living with autism can participate fully and confidently in society.

Agbaje stressed that “over the years, one thing has become increasingly clear: acceptance changes outcomes. When people feel understood and are given opportunities, they can learn, contribute, and thrive. Yet for many individuals on the autism spectrum, barriers still exist in schools, workplaces and everyday public life.”

This, Agbaje noted, is why the conversation must continue. Beyond raising awareness, he said, society must work to create environments that recognise diverse abilities, remove barriers, and make inclusion a lived reality. “The responsibility belongs to all of us, and meaningful progress depends on the choices we make every day. Ultimately, acceptance is shaped by consistent action, the everyday moments we create, and the part we play in acknowledging difference while recognising our shared humanity.”

“As we gather for this year’s conference,” Agbaje added, “I encourage each of us to consider how we can ensure acceptance within our own spheres of influence. Whether at home, in our schools, within our organisations, or across our communities, every step towards inclusion creates new possibilities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Together, we can help build a future where acceptance is not the exception, but the norm.”