Source: Peace Ezenwamma

As awareness around neurodevelopmental disorders grows in Nigeria and West Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and care through the 15th edition of its Autism Conference, themed: “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion.”

The conference, scheduled from July 15–19 in Lagos, is the latest milestone in GTBank’s Orange Ribbon Initiative, which has supported over 5,000 families since its inception in 2009. Through free clinics, outreach programs, and data-driven interventions, the bank is reshaping public understanding and care for children with autism and other developmental disorders.

From Clinics to Policy: A Holistic Approach

Oyinade Adegbite, Head of Corporate Communication at GTBank, emphasized how the initiative goes beyond awareness to provide early intervention services in underserved communities. “For many families, our clinics are the first time they’ve accessed professional help. We’re seeing a wide range of disorders—autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, OCD—across Nigeria,” she said.

GTBank’s efforts include mobile clinics in cities like Lagos, Abeokuta, and even internationally in Ghana and Alberta. These outreach programs provide parents and caregivers with practical support, from diagnosis to therapy techniques. “We teach basics—how to hug, how to engage. That moment of connection often changes everything,” Adegbite added.

Leadership Speaks: Inclusion as Moral Duty

Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reflected on the journey:

“What started as a focused effort has grown into a movement that shapes how we advocate, listen, and act. Inclusion is not just a responsibility—it’s a moral imperative.”

He described the 15th anniversary as a recommitment to action, emphasizing measurable progress through opportunities and acceptance, not just policies.

Breaking Myths, Driving Change

Autism therapist and advocate, Dr. Grace Bamegboye, praised GTBank for challenging cultural myths and stigma.

“Parents were once blamed. Autism was seen as spiritual. GTBank has helped rewrite that narrative,” she said.

She noted that while early diagnosis used to be rare, children are now being brought in as young as 11 to 18 months, enabling better long-term outcomes.

Bamegboye also highlighted a grassroots success story in Obalende, Lagos, where GTBank’s community outreach identified 20 families and offered free interventions. “Now, other LGAs want to replicate the model,” she said.

Institutional Impact and Policy Push

GTBank is also partnering with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to create a dedicated resource centre for developmental disabilities. Additionally, it is engaging with lawmakers to embed autism support into national health policies.

Mrs. Solape Azazi, founder of BabyLounge Special Needs and mother to a child with autism, shared how the initiative transformed her life:

“Eight years ago, I walked into GTBank’s Autism Conference not knowing what to do. Today, I’m an advocate helping others.”

Neurodiversity as Strength

International behaviour analyst Osezusi Bolodeoku echoed the importance of viewing neurodiversity as difference—not deficiency.

“We’re teaching strategies that work in real homes. Early intervention matters. I started with my son at 17 months—he’s 12 now, and you wouldn’t know a thing.”