By Remi Johnson
A music charity concert aimed at redefining public perception of autism and promoting inclusion has been held in Abuja, with stakeholders urging parents and guardians not to give up on children living with the condition.
The event, tagged “Harmony for Autism Music Charity Concert,” was organised by the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation, with support from S.O. Events, as part of activities marking World Autism Day.
Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Stanley Effah, who also coordinated the event, said the initiative was designed to create awareness on autism, encourage acceptance, and highlight the immense potential in children living with the condition.
He emphasised that autism is not a limitation, noting that with the right environment, intentional care, and support, children with autism can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to him, the concert leverages music as a universal language to bring people together, regardless of differences, and to amplify awareness and acceptance.
“When a child has a meltdown, it is not poor parenting; it is part of the condition. These children are unique, and they deserve understanding, not judgment,” Effah said.
Drawing from personal experience as a father of a child with autism, he recounted the emotional and social challenges faced by families, stressing the need for greater societal support.
Effah revealed that the foundation is built on three key areas,music, fashion, and sports, through which it seeks to empower individuals with autism.
He highlighted the unveiling of Ferdi’s Band, a music group inspired by his son, as a major milestone, with plans to evolve into an all-autistic band in the future.
He also disclosed the release of a musical album, including a track titled “The True Colors of Autism,” which he hopes will one day gain global recognition as an anthem promoting autism awareness.
Beyond music, he said the foundation has established Ferdi’s Fashion House to provide skill acquisition opportunities and promote inclusion in the fashion industry, as well as encourage participation in sports, noting the untapped athletic potential among children with autism.
Effah called for partnerships from organisations, policymakers, and stakeholders to expand the reach of the initiative, noting that the journey has so far been driven largely without sponsorship.
Guest speaker at the event, Dr. Akinola Olabisi, clarified misconceptions surrounding autism, describing it as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and behaviour, rather than a disease.
“ Autism is not a limitation, Autism is not to be cured. It is a spectrum, and individuals differ in their disposition. A child is not autistic; a child has autism. The child comes first before the condition,” he explained.
He stressed that with proper care and support, individuals with autism can become the best version of themselves, urging society to move away from stigma and misunderstanding.
Also speaking, Dr. Kingsley Udegbunam, representing the founder of the Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation, Dr. Badewa Adejigbe Williams, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting persons with special needs through academic and speech therapy interventions.
She called for a holistic approach involving government and well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that individuals with special needs receive the support required to thrive.
“In the sociology of medicine, you don’t blame the sick; you support them,” she said, adding that early intervention has helped improve outcomes in many cases.
The highlight of the concert was the unveiling of Ferdi’s Band debut album, alongside a remarkable presentation by a young boy with autism, Master Erinoluwa, who recited the names, dates of birth, and tenures of Nigeria’s Presidents and Vice Presidents, demonstrating the extraordinary abilities that can emerge with proper care and encouragement.
The event underscored a powerful message, that autism is not a barrier to success, but a different way of experiencing the world, one that, with acceptance and opportunity, can yield remarkable contributions to society.