Ahead of the 2025 Children’s Day, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has acknowledged and honored the 16-year-old award winning artist, Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed joy at the exemplary skills of the autistic award winner of the Guiness Book of Record Kanye and took time to commend his parents who she noted have shown exemplary love and refused to live in denial.
Kanye’s achievement, according to the First Lady, demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with autism can excel in their chosen fields.
“This is a call to all parents to rise above the situation and embrace these children with love, encourage them. They will show passion for only one thing, support them along that line and see how they will excel”.
The First Lady said that mental health cases and autism in children should not be seen as a barrier for their development.
She said Kanye’s achievement in setting a Guinness World Record for the largest painting on a canvas by an individual, a painting titled “Impossibility is a myth” is a testament to this.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu said artists like Kanyeyachukwu, are rare adding that most children like him are brilliant and exceptional in whatever they choose to do.
“During the World Autism Awareness Day, what I normally do is to issue a statement which we did but I am glad that we are able to recognise him. Tomorrow is Children’s Day, we can’t choose a better day than this to celebrate him.
“Autism, even mental health generally, happens to very brilliant children, therefore, you just have to pay attention to them because their interest in being single, you just have to push with it”.
Fondly called Kanye, he created the masterpiece titled “Impossibility is a Myth” measuring 12,381.02 square metres, nearly twice the size of a football pitch.
On April 2, 2025, which was World Autism Day, the Guinness World Records verified the record in recognition of Kanye’s artistry, resilience and celebration of Autism Awareness, Inclusion and Neurodiversity.
The shy, yet visibly delighted Kanye presented the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu with one of art works.
The First Lady through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under its Social Investment Programme also encouraged Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke with a sum of N25million to support his education.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, had said that Okeke has made Nigeria proud both at home and abroad with his artworks.
He also described Kanye as an exceptional child who the Ministry is proud to showcase as a good example to create awareness about autism in the country.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the potential of young people with autism to achieve greatness with the right guidance and opportunities.
The artist mother, Mrs Silvia Okeke also appreciated the First Lady for her kindness and support for special needs children in the country.
She urged parents not to give up on their special needs children but be hopeful for a brighter future.
“For parents, I will say, don’t give up, everyday the child has issues but always always be hopeful that the child is going to be better and always work on the child.”
