WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY:BAO WALK SETS STANDARD ON ADVOCACY, SENSITIZATION, EMPOWERMENT

The streets of Ado-Ekiti came alive with purpose on Thursday as Ekiti State joined the global community to mark World Autism Awareness Day with a high-energy BAO Walk, sending an unmistakable message that autism is not the end but a beginning of hope, acceptance, and shared prosperity.

From the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to the Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities, government officials, advocates, and residents marched with banners flying and symbolic colours blazing, engaging the public on why the neurodivergent community must never be left behind.

Leading the charge, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Niyi Adebayo, declared that trained medical professionals and therapists stand ready not just to diagnose but to help children with autism thrive into normal, productive lives. He issued a rallying cry for investment, stressing that shared prosperity means nobody gets less to live now, and when a child with autism prospers, everyone partakes in that prosperity. He thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for putting real money behind every initiative, ensuring materials and manpower are available for those in need.

The Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akin Oyebode, delivered a direct punch to stigma, declaring there is no shame in autism. He urged every parent to bring their children forward for screening, adding that awareness and access to neurological, psychological, and medical support are critical for equality. He stressed that the worst thing any parent can do is hide a child because of shame, pointing to countless examples of autistic individuals who have achieved fantastic things when given the right opportunities.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, called children with autism “little champions” who will rise to contribute to society despite their challenges. She revealed that even children from rich and educated homes are affected, but they are getting better, describing the walk as an eye-opener that aligns fully with government policy on persons with disabilities.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, alongside other top officials including Hon. Akin Rotimi, NLC Chairman Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, Head of Service Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and several Special Advisers,DG Bureau of civic orientation and citizenship Mrs.Olawumi Famuyiwa joined the march to reinforce that autism is a developmental condition demanding understanding, patience, and societal support, not a disease to be feared.

In a powerful moment, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion (SESI), Princess Adetoun Agboola, commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his benevolence and unwavering support for Persons With Disabilities in the state, noting that the governor has introduced many initiatives to ensure PWDS are fully included in society. She revealed that Ekiti State has achieved a major milestone by training about 50 staff to carry out effective autism screening, and announced plans to expand early screening services, emphasizing that screening is different from diagnosing but equally vital.

The annual autism day, she said, is designed to remind society to respond with compassion and concrete action, not just awareness.

The BAO Walk concluded with a thunderous call on all residents to embrace diversity, eliminate stigma, and turn awareness into acceptance and meaningful inclusion.

JIROLTV – We report it as it is.