The Ekiti government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusivity and providing adequate support for individuals living with autism.
Mr Niyi Adebayo, Chief of Staff to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, disclosed this on Friday in Ado-Ekiti during an awareness walk marking World Autism Awareness Day.
Adebayo said the government remained committed to dispelling misconceptions about autism through sustained campaigns and by strengthening support systems in finance, healthcare and manpower.
He urged parents of children with autism to seek professional help, assuring them that with proper diagnosis and therapy, affected individuals could lead meaningful and productive lives.
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According to him, the state has trained professionals, including therapists and teachers, capable of diagnosing and managing autism.
Adebayo added that there are documented cases globally of individuals who have improved significantly with proper care.
Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Spark the Spectrum,” he stressed the need for stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on strengthening diagnostic, therapeutic and educational services.
He called for greater collaboration among government, institutions and the public to end discrimination against persons with autism, particularly in education, healthcare and employment.
Adebayo also commended the governor for supporting initiatives of the Special Education and Social Inclusion Agency in the state.
In her remarks, the Head of Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, said the government had recorded progress in autism management, including the training of about 50 personnel for effective screening across the state.
Agboola explained that screening differs from diagnosis and outlined plans to expand early screening services to ensure timely intervention.
The awareness walk, which took place from the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital to the Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities in Ado-Ekiti, attracted top government officials and stakeholders.
(NAN)
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