World Autism Day: First Lady calls for support for Autistic individuals

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater inclusion and support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In a special message to mark World Autism Awareness Day 2025 on April 2, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity and reject discrimination against autistic individuals.

She highlighted the 2025 theme, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” as a reminder to create an inclusive society.

“This theme reminds us that supporting autistic individuals is not just moral responsibility but a key to sustainable development,” she said.

She noted that many people with autism face discrimination in education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion, limiting their opportunities.

“Neurodiversity is a beautiful testament to human uniqueness. We all process information differently,” the First Lady added.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to support the UN’s SDGs, particularly SDG 4 and SDG 8, which promote education and economic opportunities for all.

She urged citizens to foster a society where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, has the chance to thrive and contribute.

“On this special day, I encourage all Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity and advocate for an inclusive society,” she said.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the humanitarian sector recently pledged to improve access to education, healthcare, and services for autistic individuals.

At a March 21 roundtable in Abuja, the House Committee on Disability Matters vowed to bridge gaps in autism support.

Mrs. Victoria Jim, Chairman of the Sustainable Development for African Youth Initiative (SUDAYI), reaffirmed the group’s commitment to this cause.

She emphasized that individuals with autism and their families deserve access to essential resources and quality care.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook