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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

GTCO, Experts Urge Compassion, Inclusive Policies for People with Autism

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • GTCO is hosting its 16th annual Autism Conference themed 'Acceptance in Action' to promote compassion and inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals.
  • The organization emphasizes its commitment to autism advocacy, aiming to bridge gaps in awareness and support through initiatives like the conference.
  • Experts urge the government to involve stakeholders in policy development for autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities, highlighting the need to address invisible disabilities.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) is calling for greater compassion and acceptance towards individuals with autism and other neurodiverse conditions, framing understanding as crucial for an inclusive society. The organization is set to host its 16th annual Autism Conference, themed ‘Acceptance in Action,’ in Lagos.

As long as that need exists, and for as long as we are capable and able, we will continue to show up.

— Oyinade AdegbiteExplaining GTCO's continued commitment to autism advocacy and support.

Oyinade Adegbite, GTCO's Chief Head of Corporate Communications, stated that the conference is part of a broader commitment to inclusion and social impact, driven by the need to address existing gaps in awareness and support for the autism community. She affirmed GTCO's ongoing dedication to this cause as long as the need persists.

Inclusion is simply how we operate as an organisation.

— Oyinade AdegbiteDescribing GTCO's non-discriminatory employment practices.

Adegbite also highlighted GTCO's internal practices, noting its non-discriminatory employment policy that includes individuals with various disabilities. "Inclusion is simply how we operate as an organisation," she said, emphasizing that neurodiversity is a human characteristic, not a limitation.

We all create our own mental worlds. Then you meet someone whose world is completely different from yours. Even when you don’t have time to fully understand them, the least we can do is not be hostile.

— Oyinade AdegbiteIllustrating the need for empathy when interacting with neurodiverse individuals.

Experts participating in the lead-up to the conference stressed the importance of government engagement with parents, professionals, and stakeholders in crafting autism policies. Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, warned that policies developed without end-user input are likely to fail. She urged Nigeria to shift focus beyond physical disabilities to better address the needs of those with invisible conditions like autism, advocating for collaborative policy-making to ensure effectiveness.

If you’re going to make a policy without involving the end user, sooner or later you’re going to find that your policy is a wash.

— Dr. Eziafakaku NwokoloWarning about the ineffectiveness of policies developed without stakeholder input.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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