Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Ten years ago, a foremost financial institution in Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc started advocacy for people living with autism.
Before the lender took up this laudable project, not much had been done in raising awareness for those living with autism, but GTBank has done much to give them a voice in the society.
The bank’s Orange Ribbon Initiative has also become a major rallying point for driving awareness about autism, campaigning against the social stigma associated with developmental disorders, and helping people with autism live a full and productive life.
This year, as part of its Orange Ribbon Initiative, GTBank will hold its 10th Annual Autism Conference via live stream on Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
This is to enable anyone, anywhere to interact and learn from globally renowned medical experts, caregivers and health practitioners about supporting children and adults living with autism.
A statement from the lender said this year’s two-day event is themed Autism: Focusing on similarities rather than differences and will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions facilitated by specialists on autism such as Dr Andy Shih, a Senior Vice President at Autism Speaks, Dr Pamela Dixon, the Director of Clinical Services and Inclusion at Autism Speaks and Dr Brooke Ingersoll, Associate Professor and Director of the Autism Lab at Michigan State University, USA, amongst others. To participate in the conference, visit www.gtbank.com/autism2020.
Commenting on the 10th Annual Autism Conference, Mr Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GTBank, said; “This is one of the most important Autism Conferences we have held over the years, not only because it marks the 10th anniversary of our advocacy for people living with autism, but also because it is happening at such a critical time.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made life more difficult for people all over the world, and at this year’s conference, we are bringing together specialists, caregivers, parents and concerned members of the public to share expertise and experience about how we can continue to be there for children and adults living with autism, during this pandemic and beyond.”
GTBank is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world-class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality, and innovation.
The bank is also going beyond the traditional understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility as corporate philanthropy by intervening in key economic sectors through non-profit consumer-focused fairs and capacity building initiatives for small businesses.
