GTCO's Segun Agbaje Advocates for Autism Support in Nigeria

Segun Agbaje, the Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), addressed the need for Nigeria to transition from autism awareness to providing practical support for families, schools, and workplaces during the opening ceremony of the 16th GTCO Autism Conference in Lagos. The conference, themed “Acceptance in Action,” highlighted the success of GTCO's 16-year advocacy in breaking the culture of denial surrounding autism.

Agbaje noted that while awareness has increased, leading to more families acknowledging autism, the next challenge is ensuring meaningful support and inclusion for affected individuals. He pointed out that many older adults are only now realizing their autism diagnosis after years of struggle.

Agbaje stressed the importance of equipping families and communities with coping skills and acknowledged that integrating individuals with autism into workplaces varies based on individual needs. He described autism advocacy as an ongoing journey, emphasizing the need for continued understanding and support until a cure is found.