Abayomi Susan
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced the 16th edition of its Annual Autism Conference, scheduled to hold on Monday, July 27, and Tuesday, July 28, at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. This year’s conference is themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces.”
The event, which will be followed by free one-on-one family consultations with developmental and medical specialists, reinforces GTCO’s long-standing commitment to promoting autism awareness, inclusion, and access to professional support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Over the past 16 years, the GTCO Autism Programme has grown into one of West Africa’s foremost platforms for autism advocacy, bringing together healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, policymakers, caregivers, and families to deepen understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Through sustained collaboration and engagement, the initiative has continued to champion acceptance, accessibility, and the development of stronger support systems that improve outcomes for individuals living with autism.
The 2026 theme, “Acceptance in Action,” underscores the need to move beyond raising awareness by fostering environments where individuals on the autism spectrum are accepted, supported, and empowered in their homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
This year’s programme will feature expert-led panel discussions, practical workshops, and free consultation sessions facilitated by leading local and international specialists in developmental and behavioural sciences. Participants will gain insights into critical areas including early intervention, behavioural therapy, communication strategies, inclusive education, and caregiver support.
In Nigeria, the conference will take place on July 27 and 28 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, while free one-on-one consultations with medical and developmental experts will be held from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
The programme will also extend to Ghana, beginning with a workshop on August 4 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, followed by free consultations from August 5 to August 8 at the same venue.
Speaking on the 2026 GTCO Autism Programme, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said the initiative has evolved into a powerful platform for supporting families and advancing inclusion.
“Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve. This year’s theme, ‘Acceptance in Action,’ challenges all of us to move beyond good intentions and make inclusion visible in our schools, workplaces, and public spaces.”
He further emphasised that building an inclusive society requires collective responsibility.
“No single institution can create an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to create opportunities, and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to continue providing the expertise and resources that ensure every individual on the autism spectrum has the opportunity to participate fully and confidently in everyday life.”
GTCO encouraged members of the public, families, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to take advantage of the conference and the free consultation sessions designed to provide practical guidance and specialist support.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc remains one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions, with operations spanning banking, payments, asset management, and pension administration across eleven countries, including Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and several key African markets.
