As children across Nigeria celebrated the 2025 Children’s Day, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu honoured 16-year-old Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke, an autistic artist and award winner recognised in the Guinness World Records.
Mrs Tinubu expressed delight at the teenager’s extraordinary talent and achievements, noting that his success is a testament to the potential of individuals with autism when given the right support and opportunities.
She also commended Kanyechukwu’s parents for their steadfast love and for not living in denial of his condition.
“Kanye’s story is a powerful reminder to all parents to rise above the challenges and embrace their children with love and encouragement. Children with autism often exhibit passion in one area support them in that direction, and they will flourish,” she said.
The First Lady emphasised that autism and other mental health conditions in children should not be seen as obstacles to their development. She highlighted Kanye’s record-breaking feat the creation of the world’s largest painting on canvas by an individual, titled Impossibility is a Myth, which spans 12,381.02 square metres nearly twice the size of a football pitch.
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Mrs Tinubu described artists like Kanyechukwu as rare and remarkable, adding that many children with autism possess exceptional talents.
“On World Autism Awareness Day, I usually release a statement, and we did so this year. But I am pleased that we could go further today Children’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate him,” she said. “Autism, and mental health in general, affects many highly intelligent children. We must pay attention to them, support their interests and guide them.”
On 2 April 2025, World Autism Day, Guinness World Records officially recognised Kanye’s achievement in honour of his creativity, resilience, and his role in promoting Autism Awareness, Inclusion, and Neurodiversity.
In a quiet but proud moment, Kanye presented one of his artworks to the First Lady.
In support of his education, Senator Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative under the Social Investment Programme, awarded Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke a sum of ₦25 million.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, praised Kanye for making Nigeria proud both locally and internationally. He described the young artist as exceptional and a role model for raising awareness about autism.
Dr Muhammad also underscored the immense potential of children with autism to attain greatness when offered proper guidance and opportunity.
Kanye’s mother, Mrs Silvia Okeke, expressed her gratitude to the First Lady for her support for children with special needs and urged other parents never to give up, but to remain hopeful about the future of their children.
