GTCO Kicks Off Annual Autism Programme Next Tuesday In Ghana
GTCO Autism programme is a flagship project under the Orange Ribbon initiative of the company which has established itself as a beacon of hope and reference point for autism advocacy and intervention in Africa
Guaranty Trust Holding PLC (GTCO) has announced that the 14th edition of its annual Autism Programme in Ghana will begin with a workshop on Tuesday, July 23, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. According to the financial service institution, the Nigerian version of the conference begins today at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The programme with the theme, ‘A Spectrum of Possibilities’ according to Charles Eremi, the Group Corporate Communications Manager of GTCO is aimed at promoting inclusivity, self-advocacy, and empowerment for persons with autism.
Eremi explained that the theme aligns with the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with its goal of creating a society where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential regardless of their background or abilities positing that the theme acknowledges and celebrates this diversity, recognizing that each person living with autism has their unique strengths , challenges, and potentials.
The Corporate Communication Manager further stated that the GTCO Autism programme is a flagship project under the Orange Ribbon initiative of the company which has established itself as a beacon of hope and reference point for autism advocacy and intervention in Africa.
Eremi who spoke at a press conference to announce the 2024 edition of the programme said the event has made a significant impact, providing support and empowerment to thousands of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders over the years.
Eremi further announced that in collaboration with specialists and partner organisations from within and outside Nigeria, the programme will feature; lectures, panel discussions, and performances carefully prepared to showcase the diverse talents that exist in the autism community just as he revealed that the train will later move to Ghana.
“The programme will also create a platform where families and guardians can connect with experts and share experiences and insights. The interactive platform will facilitate meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing on various aspects of autism.
His presentation reads, “In Nigeria, the event will be held from July 15-16 at Muson Centre. There will be free one-on-one clinic consultations from July 16-20 at the Chapel of Light, Alausa, Ikeja while in Ghana, activities will begin with a workshop on the 23rd of July at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana while consultations will last from July 23- 27 at the same venue”, he explained.
Commenting on the programme, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, stated ” Everyone has something special to offer and we want to help individuals with autism succeed and lead healthy, supportive lives. By embracing autism as a strength and not a weakness, we can help individuals with autism find their passion, develop skills, and make a meaningful impact on society”.
He added.” We’re learning about autism every day and we are dedicated to using that knowledge to make a positive difference. We believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life and we’re committed to making this possible; by working together, we can build a society that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and empowers everyone to thrive”, concluded the GTCO CEO whose Group flagship banking franchise, Guaranty Trust Bank was Nigeria’s Best Bank and Best Bank in CSR at the 2023 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists, Remi Olutomayin, Bode Abifarin, Solape Azazi, and Benedict Sama while sharing their experiences with Autistic people commended GTCO for sustaining the programme for 14 years which they said made Nigerians more aware of autism.
They appealed to parents with children with autism and the general public to accept them as one of their own, reminding them that being autistic does not have to stop one from having a good life, making friends, having relationships, or getting a job neither does being autistic a death sentence since like everyone, autistic people have things they’re good at as well as things they struggle with.
Meanwhile, the programme of activities for the two-day event indicates that there will be a panel of discussants on Day 1 who will be speaking on various topics. The panelists include; Lanre Duyile ( Using Antecedent Manipulations to Improve Learning and Behaviour), Eniola Lahanmi ( Fundamental Communication Strategies for Children with Autism), Nadia Hamilton ( Enhancing Life Skills and Independence through Technology), and Benedict. O. Sama (Autism and Anxiety Management strategies and support).
Others are; Bernadette Kilo, Osazusi Bolodeoku and Noimot Balogun who will be speaking on Developing Early Support programs for Children with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Educators and it will be moderated by Joann Anokwuru while the topic on Navigating Life Transitions: Addressing puberty and adulthood challenges will be handled by Mashudat Bello- Mojeed, Tonye Faloughi Ekezie and Modupe Imasogie with Lanre Duyile serving as the moderator.
Day 2 will be the turn of Tomi Agboola who will be speaking on Communication across the Spectrum, Modupe Imasogie ( ASD and Psychiatric comorbidities ), Bernadette Kilo ( The importance of Early Detection and Intervention of Autism), and Ade Otubanjo ( Communication Milestones)
Also to speak on Day 2 are; Nadia Hamilton, Remi Olutimayin, and Camille Proctor with Joy Ovioje as the moderator and they will be treating the topic, Promoting independence and life skills: Exploring strategies for teaching independence and life skills while Eniola Lahanmi, Afeez Abdulrazak, Ade Otubanjo and Bode Abifarin will handle Challenges and Solutions in teaching Communication skills with Solape Azazi serving as the moderator.
