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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
As Nigeria joined the global community to observe World Autism Awareness Day 2025 on April 2, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu called for a more inclusive society and greater awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The theme for this year, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” underscores the importance of inclusion as a pillar of sustainable development.
In a statement she personally signed, Mrs Tinubu said, “Neurodiversity is a beautiful testament to human uniqueness. We all process information differently.”
She highlighted the discrimination faced by individuals with autism in accessing education, healthcare, and employment, urging Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity and work toward creating opportunities for all.
The First Lady also tied her advocacy to SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 8 (decent work), emphasizing that achieving these goals requires addressing barriers faced by autistic individuals.
“Being considerate of people living with autism is not just a moral responsibility but a vital pillar of sustainable development,” she stated.
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World Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the need for collective action.
Mrs. Tinubu concluded by saying, “Let us work together to create a society where every individual has the opportunity to excel.”
Experts estimate that autism affects 1 in 88 children in Nigeria, but awareness remains alarmingly low. Many cases go undiagnosed due to stigma, lack of resources, and misconceptions, with some communities attributing autism to witchcraft or demonic possession.
Healthcare professionals have stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for autistic individuals.
However, Nigeria faces a severe shortage of trained specialists such as psychologists and speech therapists, leaving many families without adequate support.
Advocacy groups and stakeholders are calling for increased government investment in autism research and services.
“We need more trained professionals, better funding, and public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and ensure that individuals with autism can thrive,” said an advocate from an autism support organization.
