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Autism: Experts Seek Policies, Legislation To Increase Job Opportunities For Affected

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2023

Editor

To mitigate the challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ASD, experts have called for effective policies and legislation to encourage organisations to give opportunities to Nigerians on the spectrum.

Speaking at the just-concluded Annual GTCO Autism Conference in Lagos, international and national experts who gathered at the conference agreed that implementing legislation that gives credit to firms will help create organisations to create job opportunities for persons on the ASD spectrum.

The President of the Behaviourprise Consulting Incorporation, based in Toronto, Canada, Lanre Duyile, suggested tax breaks implementation for organisations that provide needed jobs for persons on the spectrum, adding that such action could encourage more companies to toe the same line.

Duyile who spoke to journalists shortly after his presentation at the event themed: ‘Empowering voices for Autism’ designed to make parents of children living with autism as well as adults, accept the condition rather than choose to live in denial.

He explained that ASD is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

He said people with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests.

He stressed that one of the major challenges of people with ASD was the difficulty in getting jobs for living with the disability even though getting needed jobs for them is an issue of human rights.

He posited that for persons with ASD, experts noted that this group of persons should not be excluded from jobs, adding that they must live an inclusive lifestyle.

Addressing the specific challenge of limited job opportunities from the public and private sector facing autistic persons in communities, Duyile said: “I thought if the legislature could do this and make laws encouraging firms to create job opportunities and allow organisations and people who do this to get some tax breaks,” it will help.

Responding to questions on whether autistic persons can provide services needed in communities, Duyile said whenever they get close to graduation, they should be exposed to various vocational skills.

“Maybe they can help with moving boxes from one place to the next or maybe it’s in making sure things are clean. Whatever it is as far as it is skill oriented, it’s about jobs for affected persons.”

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, Mr Segun Agbaje said with autism rates increasing around the world, “It is pertinent to ramp up support available to persons with autism and their families. In this regard, each of us has a vital role to play in shaping a society that fully embraces diversity within the autism spectrum and actively promotes acceptance of persons with autism.”

Agbaje said there was the need to ensure “We must ensure that every voice is heard and every experience is valued, simply because we believe that when it comes to autism and other neurological disorders, inclusivity is not just a checkbox to mark off, it is rather a transformative force that fuels growth and success.”

On the theme of the conference ‘Empowering Voices for Autism,’ the GCEO of GTCO said, “We hope to significantly expand the frontiers of autism management and inspire confidence in individuals with autism to reach their fullest potential in art, business, leadership, innovation and other aspects of human development.”

On her part, Tomi Agboola, a speech and 6 based in London, said the programme is about giving a voice to our loved ones.

She said the effect of living with autism can be downplayed but those around them “can change the environment and the setting and make sure that they are at the same level with us.

“That is by giving them structures and providing references, strategies, and techniques which are crucial.’
VANGUARD

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PHOTOS: President Tinubu Receives Queen Mary Of Denmark At State House

Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

The monarch, who paid a courtesy visit to the President, was welcomed at the President’s official residence within the State House.

Queen Elizabeth was accompanied by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, were present at the reception.

Following the reception, a closed-door meeting occurred, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark.

In a statement he signed and released vis his verified X page, President Tinubu said the conversation between him and the monarch was constructive and forward-thinking.

It was a distinct privilege to receive Her Majesty Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark today at the Aso Villa in Abuja. Together with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, we welcomed Her Majesty on this important visit to our country.

“It was a distinct privilege to receive Her Majesty Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark today at the Aso Villa in Abuja. Together with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, we welcomed Her Majesty on this important visit to our country.

“Our conversation was warm, constructive, and forward-looking, grounded in mutual respect and the enduring ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark. Her Majesty’s presence here stands as a mark of goodwill, shared values, and a renewed commitment to deeper cooperation across key areas,” the President said.

President Tinubu expressed his government’s commitment to partnerships that open opportunities for Nigerians.

“As a government, we remain committed to partnerships that uplift our people, open new opportunities for prosperity, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.

News

53 Suspects Arrested Over Benue, Plateau Wedding Killings — IGP Egbetokun

Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2025

Editor

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday announced that 26 persons who actively participated in the killings in Yelwata Community, Benue State, on June 13, 2025, have been arrested.

Egbetokun said 47 people were confirmed to have been massacred during the attack, while 27 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

He said two of the bandits who were part of the attackers had earlier been killed on the ill-fated day by police operatives when they attacked the police station in the community.

The IGP said, “As you will all recall, on June 13, 2025, between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., armed militias invaded Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight.

“The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and people’s means of livelihood.

“It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community.

“In this senseless and barbaric attack, forty-seven (47) persons were confirmed killed, twenty-seven (27) persons sustained various degrees of injuries, and hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.

“The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including the deployment of tactical units and special forces, to restore confidence in the affected community and neighbouring communities.

“Also immediately deployed were detectives from our Intelligence Response Team (IRT), who swung into action, launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“I am pleased to inform you today that twenty-six (26) persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.

“On 19th June, two (2) prime suspects who were masterminds of the attack were apprehended from their hideout.

“This arrest led to the arrest of seven (7) other suspects on the following day, 20/06/2025, who were picked up from various locations where they had fled, hoping to evade justice.

“On 21st June, another key suspect in whose house the initial meetings to plan the attack were held was arrested.

“On 22nd June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of eighteen (18) other suspects who directly took part in the killings.

“On 23rd June, our detectives recovered two (2) GPMG and eight (8) AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.

“All 28 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in the attack.

“As I speak, legal proceedings are being finalised, and they will be charged to court without delay.

“We will go after anyone—planner or executor—who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice.

Plateau

“Similarly, on 22nd June 2025, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Mangu, Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob.

“Tragically, nine (9) of the passengers were murdered, and three (3) sustained injuries before our teams could intervene and rescue the remaining twenty-two (22) victims.

“So far, twenty-two (22) suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence.

“They too will face the full wrath of the law in court.

“Again, yesterday (Monday), 23/06/2025, another ugly incident was recorded in Benue, where two (2) persons travelling in a truck were killed at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi.

“Five (5) persons connected to the incident have so far been arrested and will also be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Let me use this opportunity to issue a stern warning: jungle justice, mob action, and taking the law into your own hands have no place in a civilised society.

“Every Nigerian has the right to life and a fair trial. We will not tolerate any individual or group who attempts to be judge, jury, and executioner.

“Those inciting violence and killing innocent Nigerians are warned to desist forthwith.

“The recent trend of reprisal killings—where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others—is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous.

“It does not bring justice. It only fuels further hatred, inflames tension, and perpetuates the cycle of violence.

“I want to unequivocally condemn the recent spate of violence across our nation.

“This is not who we are. Violence is not the answer. I call on all Nigerians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background—to choose peace, embrace dialogue, and work together for the unity and prosperity of our country.

“I call on all communities across Nigeria to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative.

“The security agents deployed to your communities are there to protect you. Work with them. Share information. Stay calm. Together, we will overcome these dark forces.

“I must acknowledge that the breakthroughs we have recorded—both in Benue and Plateau States—would not have been possible without the strong collaboration and synergy among all security agencies.

“The Nigeria Police Force continues to work hand-in-hand with the military, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners in pursuit of one common goal: to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen.

“Our commitment to inter-agency cooperation remains firm and unshaken.

“I wish to thank Mr. President for providing the required support that facilitated the speedy arrest of the perpetrators of the Benue and Plateau massacres.

“I thank the Nigerian people for their continued cooperation. Your support strengthens our resolve. As we move forward, we appeal for even greater collaboration as we work tirelessly to rebuild trust, restore order, and ensure lasting peace across our dear country.”
(VANGUARD)

News

Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

Published

2 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government has released a diversion plan ahead of repair of the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge which will take 110 days.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Osiyemi said that the repair postponed earlier would begin from June 28 and end on Oct. 15.

The commissioner said that the repair was expected to be carried out in eight phases on both lanes.

“The first to fourth phases, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere, will commence from Saturday, June 28 and end on Saturday, Aug. 16 (50 days).

“Phases five to eight, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako inbound Oworoshoki, will be fixed between Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 5 (51 days),” he said.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes during the partial closure of the bridge for the repair.

“Alternative routes for phase one: Motorists from Iyana Oworo will go through Gbagada to connect Anthony to access Ikorodu Road after which they will have free movement to their desired destinations.

“One lane will be used near work area (50m before and after).

“For alternative routes for phase two, motorists from Eko Bridge will go through Funsho Williams Avenue to connect Ikorodu Road,” he said.

Osiyemi gave the assurance that officers of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be on ground to minimise inconveniences and manage traffic on the routes.

“Motorists are implored to be patient during the partial closure of the bridge (50m before and after repair site).”

(NAN)