The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has donated the sum of ₦20 million to the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative in support of its campaign to raise awareness about autism across the country.
The governor, who received the team at his office in Oke-Mosan on Tuesday, noted that autism is not a disease but a special condition that requires understanding and dedicated care.
Master Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 16-year-old Nigerian painter and autism awareness advocate, holds the 2025 Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas created in Abuja. Diagnosed with non-verbal autism, he communicates through vibrant abstract art.
Describing children with autism as special, Governor Abiodun said it takes patience and diligence to discover their unique abilities, noting that many are gifted beyond the average.
He commended the parents of Master Kanye Tagbo-Okeke for refusing to see their child’s condition as a limitation, adding that they have become a source of inspiration for other parents.
“Your son, Kanye, has distinguished himself in the world of art at a very young age. He set a Guinness World Record by painting a 12,380sqm canvas in Abuja. He also won the Austrian Flame of Peace Award at the age of eight and has held exhibitions across Europe, Africa, and North America.
“These are not accidents; they are the result of deliberate and intentional efforts by you and your wife to bring out the best in your son,” he said.
The governor also urged parents of children with autism to emulate such commitment by identifying and nurturing their children’s unique talents, rather than allowing them to remain idle.
He further applauded the family for demonstrating that autism should not be seen as a handicap, but as an opportunity to unlock hidden potential, as evidenced by Kanye’s achievements in art and sports.
Governor Abiodun added that the visit by the Cycling for Autism team had broadened his perspective on autism and encouraged him by their efforts to educate Nigerians.
“Kanye exemplifies someone who has defied limitations. His condition has not been allowed to become crippling; instead, his strengths have been discovered and celebrated.
“We now see him not just as a child with autism, but as a celebrated artist—a Guinness World Record holder with over 400 paintings and still creating,” he said.
Earlier, the father of the young artist, Mr. Tagbo Okeke, stated that autism is not a disease but a condition that is costly to manage, stressing the need for proper care to achieve positive outcomes.
He noted the shortage of trained caregivers in the country and explained that the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative is raising awareness across states—from Enugu to Lagos—reaching rural and underserved communities, schools, and churches.
He added that the initiative has partnered with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and is expected to cover over 600 kilometres nationwide.
“We are also raising funds to train caregivers. Our target is to begin with 1,000 autism caregivers this year,” he said.
