Agbaje, others call for elimination of barriers against people living with autism

L–R: Benedict O. Sama, Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Babajide Okuntola, Deputy Managing Director, GTBank; Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, GTBank; Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst and Autism Advocate; and Camille Proctor, Autism Advocate, during the 16th GTCO Autism Conference, held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, has called for inclusivity and removal of any barrier against people living with autism.

Agbaje made the call in his Address of welcome to the 16th edition of the GTCO Autism Conference, which took place at the Muson Centre, Lagos between Monday 27 and Tuesday 28, July, 2026.

He said, “We have witnessed firsthand the resilience of individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we have seen parents learn, adapt and transform their homes into spaces of genuine belonging.

Speaking on the theme “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces”, he said “It reminds us that inclusion is not confined to a single environment or stage of life. It begins at home, where understanding takes root, continues in the classroom, where potential is nurtured, extends into the workplace, where talents can be recognised and developed, and is reflected in public spaces, where individuals living with Autism should be able to participate fully and confidently in society.

“Over the years, one thing has become increasingly clear: acceptance changes outcomes. When people feel understood and are given opportunities, they are able to learn, contribute, and thrive. Yet for many individuals on the Autism spectrum, barriers still exist in schools, workplaces, and everyday public life,” Agbaje stated

The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO stressed the need for continuity in raising awareness, campaign and sensitisation on autism. “This is why the conversation must continue. Beyond raising awareness, we must work towards creating environments that recognise different abilities, remove barriers, and make inclusion a lived reality. The responsibility belongs to all of us, and meaningful progress depends on the choices we make every day. Ultimately, acceptance is shaped by consistent action, the everyday moments we create, the part we play in acknowledging difference while recognising our shared humanity.

“As we gather for this year’s conference, I encourage each of us to consider how we can ensure acceptance within our own spheres of influence. Whether at home, in our schools, within our organisations, or across our communities, every step towards inclusion creates new possibilities for individuals on the Autism spectrum. Together, we can help build a future where acceptance is not the exception, but the norm. I would also like to thank our speakers, partner organisations, caregivers, educators, and all members of the Autism community for your continued commitment to this important work,” he said.

Experts on the autism spectrum also warned that while public awareness of autism has improved over the years, meaningful inclusion has remained largely elusive, leaving many families to shoulder the emotional and financial burden of care without adequate institutional support. Healthcare professionals, educators, parents, caregivers, policymakers and autism advocates urged urgent reforms to make schools, workplaces and public institutions more inclusive for persons living with autism and other neurodiverse situations.

Mrs. Solape Azazi, Autism advocate and behavioural analyst, in her contribution revealed that the country’s biggest challenge was no longer identifying autism but ensuring that children living with the condition are accepted and given equal opportunities to thrive.

She gave instance of her experience as a mother with a 12-year-old autistic son, saying many parents continue to struggle with rejection, isolation, caregiver burnout and poor mental health because of societal attitudes. “Acceptance is a behaviour. It is choosing connection over correction.

“If your child doesn’t find acceptance at home, how can the child know what acceptance looks like outside?” She stated

While participants called for increased investment in early diagnosis, specialised education, caregiver support and mental health services, warning that without stronger institutional backing, families would continue to bear the burden of autism largely on their own; Disability advocate, Mr. Afeez Abdul Rasaq urged governments to move beyond policy pronouncements by implementing disability-friendly programmes that guarantee access to education, employment and public services for neurodiverse individuals.