By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The 2023 GTCO Autism Conference will hold on July 24, and 25 at the Muson Centre, Lagos, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc has confirmed.
The theme for this year’s event is Empowering Voices for Autism, a statement from the financial institution said, adding that it is to promote inclusivity and self-advocacy for persons on the Autism Spectrum.
Business Post learned that the lender will hold follow-up consultations for the programme, which will come as a free one-on-one clinic on different days in Nigeria and Ghana.
For Nigeria, the clinic will open from July 26 to 29 at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja, and for Ghana, the activities will begin with a workshop on August 1 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, and consultations will last from August 2 to 5 at the same venue.
The GTCO Autism Conference, an offshoot of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, has grown to become a reference point for autism advocacy and intervention in Africa, providing support and empowerment to thousands of people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Working with specialists and partner organisations within and outside Nigeria, the conference will feature lectures, panel discussions, and performances carefully prepared to showcase the diverse talents that exist in the autism community whilst also creating a platform for persons with ASD and their families to connect and share ideas with subject-matter experts on different aspects of autism spectrum disorder including its nature and management.
“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 a chance to succeed and empowered to experience life to its fullest,” the group chief executive of GTCO, Mr Segun Agbaje, said.
“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,” he added.
GTCO is a leading financial services group with banking operations in Nigeria, West Africa, East Africa, and the United Kingdom, alongside new businesses in payment, funds management and pension fund administration.
Its leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities have earned it many prestigious awards over the years.
Recently, the bank was recognized as Africa’s Best Bank and the Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2021 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. It also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Financial Services Brand in the 2022 ranking of The Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale