NGO adopts music to amplify autism awareness, support in Nigeria

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation (FEMHF) has unveiled an annual concert initiative that uses music as a tool to amplify autism awareness, promote acceptance and mobilise support for autistic individuals and their families across Nigeria, with performances scheduled every April 2 to mark World Autism Day.

The foundation said the initiative is built on the belief that music, like positive memories, serves as a universal language capable of bringing people together, particularly those often forgotten by society and policymakers.

Through live performances, FEMHF aims to create an inclusive platform where autistic individuals and their families can interact with the wider community, share lived experiences and foster better understanding and appreciation of autism.

As part of the annual event, FEMHF announced that each World Autism Day concert will also feature the launch of a special music album dedicated to autism awareness and advocacy with the theme: “Harmony for Autism.”

The album will showcase original works by Ferdy’s Band, collaborations with invited Nigerian artistes, and performances by autistic musicians, with proceeds channelled toward the foundation’s autism support programmes.

Under the programme, FEMHF will host yearly live concerts featuring prominent Nigerian music artistes alongside its in-house ensemble, Ferdy’s Band, as well as autistic individuals and groups who have demonstrated skills in music and live performance.

The concerts are expected to celebrate the talents and contributions of autistic persons while reinforcing acceptance and social inclusion.

Beyond awareness, the annual event will also serve as a fundraising platform to support autistic children and young adults from underprivileged backgrounds who lack access to essential therapies and treatments.

According to the foundation, funds raised from the concerts and album sales will further be invested in skills acquisition and development programmes designed to empower autistic individuals for self-reliance and future careers.

These programmes will include structured training in music, arts and crafts, fashion design, tailoring, modelling and sports, to be implemented through FEMHF’s platforms such as Ferdy’s Band, its Fashion House and the proposed Marathon and Sporting Centre.

The foundation added that part of the proceeds will be used to provide scholarships for caregivers, to improve the quality and availability of trained professionals within Nigeria’s autism support workforce.

Preparations for the annual concerts will cover stage setup, production of autism awareness materials and branded apparel, volunteer coordination, and public sensitisation activities including road walks and information sessions.

FEMHF disclosed that the inaugural concert and album launch are scheduled for April 2026 and called on corporate bodies, development partners and members of the public to support the initiative as sponsors, partners or volunteers.

The foundation also announced partnerships with the Ike Foundation for Autism on autism road walk awareness campaigns, and with Glory Wellness Regenerative Centre to support stem cell treatment for autistic children from less privileged families.

It stressed that initiatives such as live musical concerts and advocacy-driven album projects provide opportunities to raise awareness and drive development through charitable engagement, noting that sustained support can help individuals with autism reach their full potential.