Health

NGO seeks inclusivity, support for people with autism

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2025

The founder of the Sustainable Development for Africa Youth Initiative (SuDAYI), Victoria Jim, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is advocating for greater inclusivity and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Jim made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of SuDAYI, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in creating a more inclusive society for individuals with autism and their families.

According to Jim, every individual with autism deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and social services that cater to their specific needs.

“Growing up in Africa, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with autism and other disabilities.

“I saw how they were often marginalised, excluded, and denied access to basic rights and opportunities,” she said.

However, Jim also highlighted the potential, talent, and resilience of individuals with autism, noting that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, they could achieve greatness.

Jim stated that SuDAYI was committed to bridging the gap in autism services and support in Nigeria.

“In the next two years, the NGO plans to implement a comprehensive autism management intervention.

“This intervention will focus on providing inclusive education and support to families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

“Additionally, SuDAYI aims to establish partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to promote autism awareness and acceptance.”

Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, spoke about ongoing efforts to amend the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018.

He noted that the current law did not adequately address the needs of children and women with disabilities.

“We think those areas are specific areas that need to be addressed, including intellectual disabilities and developmental needs for children with cerebral palsy or neurodegenerative conditions,” Dawodu said.

He also emphasised that discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was punishable under the law.

Dr Opiti Chukwunekwu, Associate Director at Health System Consult Limited, discussed the prevalence of autism in Nigeria, which was estimated at 2.1 per cent.

He clarified that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was not a disease but a developmental disorder that occurred during a child’s development in the womb.

Chukwunekwu explained that autism was a spectrum, with different manifestations across its five elements.

He emphasised the importance of supporting individuals with autism to develop skills and reach their potential.

“Many prominent people have been shown to have traits of autism and still went on to achieve great things,” he said.

Chukwunekwu also stressed that while there was no cure for autism, effective management focused on empowering individuals with the disorder.

“This includes behavioral interventions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training, all aimed at improving outcomes for those living with autism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SuDAYI’s objective is to empower children and youth with autism and other disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in and contribute to their communities.

(NAN)

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Health

Ultimate Health HMO appoints 2 directors

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

Ultimate Health Services (UHS), a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has announced the appointment of Tosin Adefeko and Bolajoko Abiola-Odunowo as directors to its board to strengthen capacity and functionality.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UHS, Mr Lekan Ewenla, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ewenla said that the appointments, made by the HMO’s Board of Directors and shareholders, were in line with global corporate governance and best practices.

He said that it was also a reflection of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity and empowering women in leadership positions within the organised private sector.

“The appointments of Adefeko and Abiola-Odunowo are in-line with the organisation’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity.

“It is also in accordance with the global agenda for gender inclusiveness in the corporate world and political appointments,” he said.

Ewenla added that the appointments were intentionally done to enhance the organisation’s growth focusing on private and informal sectors, various groups and associations in the country.

He said that enrolment into the health insurance programme is now mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents.

Ewenla described Adefeko as a corporate executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience.

“She has successfully led businesses and delivered impressive results in the financial services, print and broadcast media, marketing and communication industries.

“Adefeko is passionate about gender inclusion, equity, and female empowerment.

“She is an active member of Women in Managing Business; has served in several committees and chaired the communications committee for the annual conferences for three years,” he said.

The managing director equally described Abiola-Odunowo as a distinguished business executive with a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades in finance, law, and logistics.

He said that she would bring a unique combination of financial and legal expertise, and strategic business development into the board of Ultimate Health HMO.

“Abiola-Odunowo has vast experience in treasury management and financial analysis, with a strong understanding of financial operations and risk management.

“She has expertise in oil and gas, real estate, and environmental law, with a special focus on regulatory compliance and legal frameworks within complex industries,” Ewenla added.

NAN

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