• Wed. Jul 22nd, 2026

GTCO Unveils 16th Autism Conference To Expand Inclusion Across Schools Workplaces, Free Specialist Support

L-R:Solape Azazi, International Behaviour Analyst; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; and Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst, during the press briefing for the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

L-R: Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst; Solape Azazi, International Behaviour Analyst; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst; and Oluwatosin Onabanjo, Corporate Communications Officer, GTCO Plc, during the press briefing for the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced plans for the 16th edition of its Annual Autism Conference, reaffirming its commitment to promoting autism awareness, inclusion and access to specialist support for individuals living on the autism spectrum and their families.
L-R: Cornelius Onuoha, Managing Director, RedGecko PR Ltd; Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst; Solape Azazi, International Behaviour Analyst; Oluwatosin Onobanjo, Corporate Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; and Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst, during the media briefing for the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference held in Lagos on Wednesday.

The two day conference, themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces,” will take place on July 27 and 28 at the Muson Centre in Lagos. It will be followed by free one on one consultations with medical and developmental experts.

GTCO said the annual initiative remains one of the most impactful autism advocacy platforms in West Africa, bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, therapists, policymakers, caregivers and families to advance knowledge and improve support systems for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

L-R:Solape Azazi, International Behaviour Analyst; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; and Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst, during the press briefing for the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

The financial services group noted that the programme has, over the past 16 years, helped deepen conversations around inclusion, accessibility and the need for practical interventions that improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.

According to the organisers, the 2026 edition shifts the focus from raising awareness to encouraging practical acceptance through inclusive homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces where individuals with autism can thrive.

Participants will benefit from expert presentations, interactive workshops and practical sessions led by respected local and international specialists in developmental and behavioural sciences.

The conference will also explore critical issues including early diagnosis, behavioural therapy, communication strategies, inclusive education, caregiver support and community based interventions designed to improve developmental outcomes.

Following the conference in Lagos, free family consultation sessions will run from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, where families will receive personalised guidance from multidisciplinary specialists.

GTCO also confirmed that the programme will extend to Ghana, beginning with a workshop on August 4 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, while free consultation sessions will hold from August 5 to August 8 at the same venue.

Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, said the initiative has evolved into a strong platform that continues to provide hope, guidance and practical support for families navigating autism.

He stated that the 2026 theme challenges individuals, institutions and governments to move beyond awareness by embedding inclusion into educational institutions, workplaces and public environments.

Agbaje stressed that building an inclusive society requires collective responsibility involving families, educators, employers, healthcare professionals and policymakers working together to remove barriers faced by people living with autism.

He reaffirmed GTCO’s commitment to providing access to world class expertise and developmental resources that empower individuals on the autism spectrum to participate confidently and productively in everyday life.

The company encouraged parents, caregivers, educators and members of the public to participate in the conference and take advantage of the free consultation sessions designed to provide expert guidance and developmental support.

L-R: Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst; Solape Azazi, International Behaviour Analyst; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst; and Oluwatosin Onobanjo, Corporate Communications Officer, GTCO Plc, during the press briefing for the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

GTCO remains one of Africa’s leading financial services groups with operations spanning banking, payments, asset management and pension administration across 11 countries, including Nigeria, the United Kingdom and several African markets, while sustaining its investment in impactful social initiatives that promote education, healthcare and inclusive development.

free consultations, please visit: https://csr.gtbank.com/autism.

By Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

HYACINTH BELUCHUKWU NWAFOR, CEO of HYBRIDNEWSNG GLOBAL DIGITAL MEDIA LIMITED and Managing Director of Belch Digital Communications | Publishers of HybridNewsNg | Multimedia Journalist | Digital Content Strategist | Executive Producer. I am a prolific broadcast journalist with over Ten years of professional experience in print and digital broadcasting. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills as a multimedia journalist, adept at creating engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. Equipped with strong communication abilities, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills, I excel in discharging my duties effectively and fostering collaboration among individuals from various backgrounds. My goal is to achieve desired outcomes through teamwork and mutual understanding. In my spare time, I enjoy researching intriguing topics, exploring the unknown, and expanding my knowledge base. I also take pleasure in cooking for my children, swimming to unwind, and cultivating meaningful friendships that feel like family. My passion for both my work and personal interests reflects my commitment to continuous growth and connection with others. Research, write, edit and file news stories, features and articles among other activities.

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