Oluronke Katagum, Founder and CEO of the Zamarr Institute Centre for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, has called for full societal acceptance of persons on the autism spectrum, moving beyond mere awareness. She made the appeal during a commemorative walk from Jabi to Wuse Berger in Abuja on Saturday, marking Autism Acceptance Month. The event, themed 'Light It Up Blue: Walk, Run, Ride for Autism,' was organised by the institute to celebrate 20 years of providing special needs assistance. Katagum emphasized that children with autism have unique talents and valuable contributions to make, citing Erioluwa, a non-verbal child until age seven, who now knows all Nigerian states and past presidents.
The walk included children with special needs, caregivers, and advocates, with one participant, Enoch, sharing his passion for learning about animals, space, and the universe. Katagum identified stigma and financial constraints as major barriers, revealing the institute currently supports 25 children on a day basis and plans a fundraising event in late May. The goal is to raise N250 million to build a respite centre for neurodiverse children, with additional funds needed for sustainability. She noted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, led by Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to unify autism advocacy efforts and support an upcoming autism bill. Autism affects an estimated one per cent of the global population, characterised by challenges in communication, social interaction, and behaviour.
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