GTCO Autism Conference to focus on family, school, workplace, public inclusion

L-R: Managing Director, RedGecko PR Ltd, Cornelius Onuoha; Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo; International Behaviour Analyst, Solape Azazi; Corporate Communications Officer, GTCO Plc, Oluwatosin Onobanjo, and International Behaviour Analyst, Osezusi Bolodeokuduring the media briefing for the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Stanley Ihedigbo

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced plans for its 16th Annual Autism Conference, an initiative aimed at promoting greater acceptance, inclusion and support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

The two-day conference, themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces,” is scheduled to hold on Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

The conference will be followed by free one-on-one family consultations with medical, developmental and behavioural specialists, providing families with access to professional guidance and support.

The 2026 edition of the GTCO Autism Programme is designed to move the conversation beyond awareness and towards practical action that will create more inclusive environments for people living with autism.

According to GTCO, the programme will focus on the need to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum are supported and empowered across different aspects of daily life, including the family, educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces.

The annual initiative has, over the years, emerged as a major platform for autism advocacy and inclusion across West Africa, bringing together healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, policymakers, caregivers and families to promote greater understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

Through sustained advocacy, engagement and collaboration, the programme has continued to draw attention to the importance of early intervention, accessibility, professional support and the development of systems that can improve the quality of life and long-term outcomes of individuals on the autism spectrum.

This year’s programme is expected to feature expert-led discussions, workshops and free consultation sessions facilitated by leading local and international specialists in developmental and behavioural sciences.

Key areas to be addressed during the programme include early intervention, behavioural therapy, communication strategies, inclusive education and caregiver support.

In Nigeria, following the conference at the Muson Centre, free one-on-one family consultations will take place from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

The initiative will also extend to Ghana, where the programme will commence with a workshop on August 4 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

This will be followed by free consultations at the same venue from August 5 to 8.
Commenting on the 2026 GTCO Autism Programme, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said the initiative had evolved over the past 16 years into a platform for helping families navigate the challenges associated with autism.

Agbaje said the theme, “Acceptance in Action,” was a call for society to move beyond good intentions and make inclusion a practical reality in schools, workplaces and public spaces.

He said, “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 past good intentions and start making inclusion visible, in the way we design our schools, structure our workplaces, and welcome one another in public spaces.”

The GTCO Group CEO stressed that building an inclusive society required collective responsibility, noting that families, educators, employers and policymakers all had important roles to play.

According to him, “No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors, and policymakers willing to act.”

He added that GTCO would continue to provide access to relevant expertise and resources to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

“Our role is to keep bringing the right expertise and resources to the table, so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine chance to participate fully and confidently in everyday life,” he said.

The 16th GTCO Autism Conference is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share experiences and explore practical approaches to improving inclusion and support for people on the autism spectrum.

The free consultation sessions are also expected to offer families an opportunity to engage directly with specialists and receive professional guidance on developmental and behavioural concerns.

The initiative reinforces GTCO’s longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, inclusion and community development.

For more information about the GTCO Autism Programme, the conference and the free consultation sessions, interested individuals and families can visit the official programme platform.