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GTBank Becomes A Voice For Children and Adults living With Autism… Holds 8th Annual Autism Conference July 17-18

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Leading African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc,  is set to be a voice for Children and adults living with Autism  as it holds the 8th edition of its Annual Autism Conference on Tuesday, July 17 and Wednesday July 18, 2018 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Themed “Raising a Child with Autism, the Role of Family and the Community” the two-day conference is part of the Bank’s Annual Autism Program, which brings together globally renowned medical specialists, parents, caregivers, health practitioners and concerned members of the public to share ideas on how to support children and adults living with Autism.
Interestingly,  some of the high profile facilitators such as Mrs Joyce Onafowokan,  Adetoun Akande, Dr. Anna Lamikanra amongst others  engaged by the Bank for the two days event expressed their gratitude to the bank for such a laudable gesture and revealed the urgent need for government, community and parents to key into this rare platform created by the financial institution to tackle the issues associated with Autism.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 160 children live with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) worldwide. In Nigeria, the condition is hardly diagnosed, rarely understood and children with ASD often suffer stigmatization.
 In response to these challenges, GTBank launched the Orange Ribbon Initiative to support children and adults living with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
 Through this initiative, the Bank has, over the last 7 years, offered more than 14,000 people training on how to manage ASD, provided free one-on-one consultation services to over 3,200 children and led a sustained campaign to tackle the stigma facing people living with Autism.
This year, the Bank’s Autism Programme will begin with the 2018 Autism Conference which is free to attend and open to the general public.
The conference will also be streamed live on facebook.com/gtbank and people across all social media platforms can also join the conversation by using the hashtag #BeAVoice.
Following the Autism conference will be free one-on-one consultations for children with Autism and other developmental challenges as well as counselling of their parents and guardians.
There will also be sessions for Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Behaviour Analysis, Audiology, Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.
 These sessions will hold from Thursday July 19 to Monday July 23, 2018 at Digital Village, Alausa, Lagos.
Commenting on the 8th Annual Autism Awareness Conference, Mr Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said; “Like every other child, children with Autism have big dreams and amazing talents to contribute to our society, but they need all our support to rise above their present difficulties. As an institution that is passionate about helping young people achieve their dreams, we will continue to lead initiatives and create programmes that ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, has all the support they need to reach their full potential.
Guaranty Trust Bank plc is a Nigerian financial institutions that has maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy since its inception in 1990. The Bank actively supports numerous programmes across Africa that positively affect Infant and Maternal Healthcare, Education, the Art, Community Development and the Environment.

L-R; Mrs. Dotun Akande, Advance Certified Autism Specialist, Mrs Joyce Onafowokan, Early Intervention Professional and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Social Devt, Oyinade Adegite, Head of Comm & Ext Affairs, GTBank, Camille Proctor, Exec. Director, The Colour of Autism Foundation, USA and Dr. Anna Lamikanra, Exec. Director, Blazing Trails International Center at the Press Conference for the 8th Annual Autism programme held at GTBank’s Head Office on Monday 16th July 2018


· L-R; Camille Proctor, Exec. Director, The Colour of Autism Foundation, USA, Dr. Anna Lamikanra, Exec. Director, Blazing Trails International Center, Oyinade Adegite, Head of Comm & Ext Affairs, GTBank, Mrs Joyce Onafowokan, Early Intervention Professional and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Social Devt and Mrs. Dotun Akande, Advance Certified Autism Specialist

 Oyinade Adegite, Head of Comm & Ext Affairs GTBank speaking at the Press conference held on Monday 16th July 2018.

 L-R; Dr Funmi Omotayo, Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, Tolulope Onipede, Head of CSR Unit GTBank, Mrs. Dotun Akande, Dr Agboola Paul, Abisoye Balogun of GTBank and Dr Grace Ojeamiren-Bamigboye at the Press conference

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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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