The first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day 2025, has called for inclusion and support for individuals with autism spectrum disease.

In a special message, the first lady on Wednesday expressed her joy in joining the international community to recognise and celebrate the incredible potential and skills of individuals with autism.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by repetitive, restricted and inflexible patterns of behaviour, interests, activities and difficulties in social interactions and social communication.

Mrs Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to accept the uniqueness of others as the world strives to achieve the SDGs, especially SDGs 4 and 8, which cover access to quality education and economic opportunities for all.

The first lady also appealed against discrimination, adding that it was pertinent that all citizens of the country could coexist peacefully.

The stakeholders in the humanitarian sector, on March 21, in a forum held in Abuja, pledged to facilitate access to education, health and other amenities for victims of autism and other persons with disabilities.

The stakeholders made the pledge at a roundtable organised by the House Committee on Disability Matters.

The chairman of Sustainable Development for African Youth Initiative, Victoria Jim, reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to bridging the gap in autism services and support.

Ms Jim said the initiative would also ensure that those with autism and their families received the resources and care they deserved. 

(NAN)