GTCO announces 15th autism conference, to offer free consultation

Guaranty Trust Holding Company plc (GTCO) is set to host the 15th edition of its flagship autism conference under the Orange Ribbon Initiative — a programme dedicated to children and adults living with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The two-day conference, themed “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion,” will take place on July 15 and 16 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

It will be followed by a free one-on-one consultation clinic from July 17 to 19 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday in Lagos, Oyinade Adegite, chief communication officer at GTCO, said the initiative has evolved over the years to become a lifeline for thousands of families navigating the challenges of ASD.

“So far, over 5,000 families have benefited from our consultation clinics, many of whom would never have accessed assessments otherwise,” she said.

“We’ve gone from awareness to tangible action, reaching communities in Lagos, Abeokuta, and even Ghana.”

Adegite said GTCO is working to consolidate years of internal data to publish a detailed impact report.

“Our data shows we’ve touched over 5,000 families. But beyond numbers, we’ve changed perceptions — challenging stigma and bringing children out of hiding,” she said.

She added that this year’s conference will feature global and local experts in autism care, including speech pathologists, behavioural analysts, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and advocates who will offer insights, tools, and resources for families, educators, and caregivers.

Confirmed facilitators include Camille Proctor, founder of The Color of Autism Foundation (USA); Lanre Duyile, a board-certified behaviour analyst from Endicott College; Mashudat Bello-Mojeed, a professor of psychiatry; Remi Olutimayin, voice actor and autism advocate; Solape Azazi, international behaviour analyst and founder of Cradle Lounge; Osezusi Bolodeoku, international behaviour analyst and founder of FOS ABA Centre Clinic; Ade Otubanjo, speech pathologist; Bernadette Kilo, developmental paediatrician; Camiella Hay, board certified behaviour analyst; Georgiana Koyama, founder of All Behaviour Consultancy Ltd; and performance professionals Rashard Dobbins and Tomi Agboola-Odeleye, etc.

POWER OF EARLY INTERVENTION 

The media briefing featured testimonies from experts and parents who have benefited from the Orange Ribbon Initiative.

Grace Bamgboye, a speech-language pathologist, praised GTCO for breaking the silence around developmental delays.

“When I began this work, children with special needs were hidden away. People would ask, ‘How will you feed yourself as a therapist?’ But today, parents bring babies as young as 11 months,” she said.

On policy and sustainability, Bamgboye emphasised the need to localise care while educating communities.

“Autism is neurological, not spiritual. In Nigeria, grandparents are often key decision-makers. We must speak their language literally and culturally,” she said.

She added that many myths still exist blaming autism on snail consumption during pregnancy, village curses, or spiritual attacks.

“It’s time we stopped blaming parents or prescribing flogging as therapy. The focus now is action, not speculation,” she said.

Solape Azazi, now an international autism advocate, recounted her first encounter with the conference.

“Eight years ago, I walked into this space not knowing where to turn. I said, ‘My child has autism.’ That was the start of my healing and advocacy. Today, I support not just my son but many others,” she said.

Osezusi Bolodeoku, an educational psychologist and behaviour analyst, added that the 2025 conference will be highly practical, offering strategies parents can apply in everyday settings.

She said: “Not everyone can afford to see a therapist. This year, we’re meeting parents where they are—right in their kitchens and living rooms.

“Early intervention changed my son’s life. He was delayed at 17 months. Today, you’d never guess.”

THE ORANGE RIBBON INITIATIVE

Launched in 2009, the Orange Ribbon Initiative is GTCO’s signature corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme focused on developmental disabilities, with a specific emphasis on autism.

Its core objectives include increasing awareness of autism, providing free professional consultations for children and families, training parents, teachers, caregivers, and healthcare providers, supporting inclusive education and vocational training, and funding applied autism research.

Over the years, the initiative has provided complimentary one-on-one consultations with globally renowned specialists, equipping families with knowledge, skills, and hope.

GTCO partners with institutions such as the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals in Yaba (Lagos) and Aro ( Ogun), National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi; Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; Autism Compassion Africa (Ghana); Behaviorprise Consulting Inc. (Canada); and The Color of Autism Foundation (USA).

Participation in the conference is free, and GTCO encourages parents, caregivers, and professionals to register early and take advantage of the consultation clinics.