THE Ekiti State Government on Thursday stepped up efforts to promote inclusion and early intervention for children with autism as top officials and stakeholders embarked on a symbolic awareness walk to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day.
The event, tagged “BAO Walk for Autism,” saw participants trek from the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to the state Therapy Centre in Ado Ekiti, in a campaign designed to deepen public understanding of autism and reinforce support for the neurodivergent community.
Leading the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, disclosed that the state had recorded a major milestone in building local capacity to manage autism, revealing that 50 personnel had been trained free of charge to screen children for the condition independently.
She explained that the training, facilitated in partnership with a United States-based organisation, Spark A Spectrum, would reduce reliance on external experts and enhance early detection across the state.
Princess Agboola acknowledged the critical role of Spark A Spectrum, led by Dr Loukia Tsami of the Centre for Autism and Developmental Services, University of Houston, USA, in equipping the trained personnel with effective skills and modern techniques for autism screening.
According to her, while screening differs from clinical diagnosis, it plays a critical role in guiding proper placement decisions and ensuring that affected children receive appropriate treatment and support.
Princess Agboola noted that many children currently undergoing care at the state’s therapy centre have shown significant improvement, attributing the progress to sustained government investment and a compassionate policy direction under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
She described autism as a developmental condition often characterised by challenges in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours, stressing the need for increased awareness and professional expertise.
The Special Adviser further revealed that the government had sponsored a rehabilitation scientist for specialised training outside the state to strengthen the pool of experts handling autism cases in Ekiti.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to persons with disabilities, she said several initiatives had been introduced to improve their welfare and ensure inclusivity in line with the governor’s development agenda.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the awareness walk had broadened his understanding of autism, particularly its sensitivity, and underscored the importance of collective support for affected children.
He stressed that children with autism possess great potential and can excel beyond expectations if given the right care and opportunities.
Mr Adebayo commended Governor Oyebanji for prioritising inclusive governance and investing in programmes that cater to vulnerable groups, adding that the administration’s shared prosperity agenda ensures that no segment of society is left behind.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, described children with autism as “little champions” capable of making meaningful contributions to society despite their challenges.
She noted that autism cuts across all social classes, affecting children from both privileged and less privileged backgrounds, but expressed optimism that early intervention and sustained care would continue to yield positive outcomes.
Describing the awareness walk as an eye-opener, Mrs Babafemi said the initiative aligns with government policies aimed at empowering persons with disabilities and promoting their full participation in society.
In his contribution, an Occupational Therapist, Mr Michael Akande, educated participants on therapeutic approaches and care strategies for children with autism, highlighting practical methods used in managing the condition and improving behavioural outcomes.
Dignitaries at the event included the Hon. Akin Rotimi, Member, Federal House of Representatives, Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comr. Olatunde Kolapo, Head of Service; Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode; SA/DG, OTSD, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo; SA/DG Bureau of Special Project, Hon. Bunmi Talabi, SA/DG Bureau of Public Procurement, Hon. James Folorunso, Arch. Tope Ogunleye and Wife of the speaker, Mrs Adenike Aribasoye.
Others were the D.G Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship Mrs. Olawunmi Famuyiwa, alongside with medical professionals Prof Paul Olowoyo, A neuro-pediatrician from Federal Medical Centre Ido-Ekiti, Dr. Adebisi a pediatrician from the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti Among Several other Medical Professionals Permanent Secretaries across MDAs and representatives of non-governmental organisations among others.