Launch of Specialized Programs for Parents and Caregivers
In a significant move to enhance autism inclusion across Nigeria, Alternative Bank has joined forces with the Private Healthcare Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Eliakim Foundation, and Sterling One Foundation to organize the inaugural Autism Stakeholder Roundtable and Policy Dialogue.
The event, titled “It is How You Show Up,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, and multilateral development partners, to address the fragmented landscape of autism care in Nigeria.
Mr. Korede Demola Adeniyi, Executive Director of Commercial and Institutional Banking for Lagos and the South West, set a constructive tone in his welcome address, emphasizing that this occasion was not merely a celebration, but a platform for practical discussion.
Highlighting the critical issue, he pointed out that many families face detrimental delays in autism diagnosis and intervention, adversely affecting years of development and limiting opportunities for those affected.
Adeniyi announced that the Bank is committed to translating discussions into tangible outcomes. He unveiled a structured development program for 40 participants focused on receptive language disorders, created in collaboration with Eliakim Global Resources. This training will commence from April 26 to May 1, 2026, and serve as part of a broader three-pronged agenda emphasizing inclusive education, targeted training for professionals and caregivers, and advocacy for behavioral change.
Vision for a Comprehensive National Autism Framework
During the event, Mr. Dotun Akande, Founder and Director of Patrick Speech and Language Center (PSLC), delivered a keynote address advocating “From Philosophy to National Solutions: Designing Nigeria’s Autism System.” He called for a shift toward a holistic national autism framework seamlessly integrated into the public system, moving away from relying solely on private centers.
Akande stressed the importance of implementing universal developmental screening for children at 9, 18, and 24 months and establishing a national autism registry. He urged stakeholders to create a system where interventions occur early, equitably, and at scale, ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
Integrating Vocational Pathways for Functional Independence
Dr. Ime Okon, the 25th President of the Lagos State Branch of the Women Medical Association of Nigeria (MWAN), conveyed a message of goodwill on behalf of the medical community. She emphasized the need for early diagnosis to transition from being a luxury to becoming a standard aspect of care, reinforcing MWAN’s commitment to achieving inclusive outcomes.
“For physicians, it is essential that parents’ concerns are addressed through a comprehensive healthcare system,” Dr. Okon remarked, praising Alternative Bank’s initiative as a catalyst for national action. She highlighted the importance of immediate collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure measurable progress.
Engaging Discussions and Policy Implications
The roundtable feature included dynamic plenary sessions that fostered expert discussions on crucial topics, including diagnosing barriers in autism care and exploring sustainable financing models. The insights gained during these sessions will culminate in a comprehensive policy brief, which will collect key input from various international partners. This brief is expected to inform relevant ministries and promote the establishment of caregiver support, comprehensive education frameworks, and improved health infrastructure.
Notable contributors to this vital discussion included Emma Zagar from Best Buddies International, Solape Azazi of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiatives, and several other prominent figures in the healthcare and education sectors. Their collective efforts aimed at reshaping the autism care landscape in Nigeria reveal the potential for transformative change.
Alternative Bank’s pioneering roundtable marks a crucial step toward a more inclusive future, demonstrating that effective collaboration among public, private, and civil society sectors can ultimately foster an autism care ecosystem that is both resilient and supportive.
