First Lady Tinubu urges Nigeria to embrace autism inclusion and fight misinformation
Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased inclusion, understanding, and respect for persons living with autism in a message marking World Autism Awareness Day. She urged Nigerians to recognise the dignity, worth, and potential of autistic individuals, describing them as vital contributors whose lives and voices enrich communities. Speaking on this year’s UN theme, “Autism and Humanity—Every Life Has Value,” Mrs Tinubu highlighted that inclusion and equal opportunities are essential for a just society. She expressed deep concern over persistent misinformation and harmful narratives about autism, warning these could hinder progress, and urged citizens and institutions to promote awareness and acceptance. World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2 to raise global awareness and promote inclusion. According to the WHO, autism (ASD) is a developmental condition detectable in early childhood, with varied abilities and needs—some live independently, others require lifelong support. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social skills, benefiting both autistic individuals and caregivers, but must be accompanied by broader societal support for true accessibility.