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GTB Raises Hope for children and Adults Living With Autism During 8th Annual Conference

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Interestingly, the 8th edition of the GT Bank  Annual autism Conference which  kicked off yesterday ended well today with expectations of  stakeholders met when they converge at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Wednesday, July 18th,2018.

Several health care  and medical experts, care givers, teachers, proprietors of special need centers, parents and even children living with autism exchanged information about what autism is all about and the role of the family and the community.

Dr funmilola omotayo, an Educational Psychologist delivered paper on meeting the needs of families living with Autism.
Citing an evaluation of the project funded by Big lottery fund UK, she stated that the research evidence proved that appropriate support for parents living with autism reduce family stress.
“Most parents with autistic children abroad tend to shield them due to stigma but awareness will help showcase the strength in autism”
 She advocated for training in Austism relate issues and that some of the needs of families living with autism include a mobile lending library where toys and autism materials can be borrowed for hone use, relief hours for parents with autism, advice and information on special education needs, information about provision for children with autism spectrum locally and beyond, siblings support group to reduce their loneliness and embarrassment among peers. And support for  parents through EHCP, escort to meetings and DLA support.
While delivering her speech on Community Network, a critical asset in sustainable Autism care,  Dr Naimet Abisola Balogun who is a public Health Communication Expert  revealed that About one million  people suffer autism in Nigeria and that it takes collective effort to manage it.
According to her, it’s an inclusive collaboration  which includes Informal community like  the religious Space, artisan, youth leaders, the CDC chairmen, NURTW among others.
” We have not engaged the religious space to handle it. Religious Leaders have a role to play. Collaboration with them and the political community will go a long way in helping the cause.  Also, Political community and engagement through general meeting ,
Social relations, Health and business
Business community have a vital role to play too.
Other facilitators such as Mrs Notable Adewole and Ms Toni Agboola Odeleye expantiate on the strength of inclusion in the classroom and how to help children when you don’t have access to a speech therapist.
The high point of the GTB 2018 Autism conference was when a poor woman from Ibadan who has an 18 year old daughter with autism expressed her hopelessness in handling her autistic child and channeling a brighter hope for her.
Her sad story elicited so much emotional outburst from everyone but the response of Mrs Adedotun Akande, founder and director of Patric Speech and Languages Centre brought conference to  Happy end.
She said the ultimate aim of the GTB Conference Is to be a voice for children and adults living with Autism. Thus,  she volunteered to take up the responsibility of the 18 year old girl
 Of a truth  the GT Bank  sponsored 8th Annual Autism Conference was as enlightening as it was emotional.  It would be recalled that Annual Autism Programme was born out of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, an initiative created by GT bank in 2009 to support people with developmental disabilities and special needs. Autism was chosen to be their area of focus due to their concern for people who suffer stigmatization and get very little support in the society.

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

 

 

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.

The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.

COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.

Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.

He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.

Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool

In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.

Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.

Proactive Security Operations Underway

Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.

According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.

A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace

Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.

Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.

Call for National Unity

The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.

“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.

The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.

 

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IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security

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IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.

As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.

Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.

Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

 

IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security

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Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

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Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”

 

The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.

The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.

 

Testimonies of God’s Power

One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.

 

Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.

 

These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.

 

God Works by Principle, Not Gossip

 

In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.

 

The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.

 

Join the Movement

Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:

Sunday Service: 7:00 AM

Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM

Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM

 

Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.

Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.

 

 

By Sunday Adeyemi

 

[email protected]

 

Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor

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