Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has officially commenced the 15th edition of its annual Autism Conference, themed “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion”, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing commitment to neurodiversity advocacy across Africa.
The landmark event, which began today at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos, will run through July 16 and continue with a series of free clinic consultations from July 17 to 19 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. The initiative will also be replicated in Ghana for the second consecutive year, with a workshop scheduled for July 21 and consultations running from July 22 to 24 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
Now in its fifteenth year, the conference is a flagship component of GTCO’s Orange Ribbon Initiative, launched in 2009 to promote awareness, acceptance, and support for children and adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Speaking at the launch, GTCO’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reflected on the transformative journey of the programme. “What started as a simple but focused effort has grown into a movement shaping how we listen, advocate, and act,” he said. “This initiative is grounded in compassion, early intervention, and inclusive support systems that enable children and families to thrive.”
Agbaje further emphasized the programme’s role in creating a more empathetic and informed society, noting its evolution from basic awareness to tangible, community-focused impact.
During a media briefing ahead of the conference, GTCO’s Chief Communications Officer, Oyinade Adegbite, highlighted the breadth of this year’s activities. “This year’s edition features two days of intensive conference sessions facilitated by local and international experts,” she said. “We’re also providing three days of free one-on-one clinic consultations for families, caregivers, and individuals living with autism.”
She added that the Ghana edition will mirror the Nigerian structure, extending GTCO’s pan-African approach to supporting autism inclusion and providing critical access to diagnosis, care, and knowledge.
Over the years, the Orange Ribbon Initiative has become a respected platform for education, advocacy, and intervention. With over a decade of consistent engagement, GTCO continues to empower families and communities to understand and respond effectively to the unique needs of individuals with autism.
As the programme enters its 15th year, stakeholders across health, education, and civil society are expected to gather in support of GTCO’s vision of an inclusive future—one where every child, regardless of neurological condition, is given the chance to succeed.