By Celine-Damilola Oyewole
Ahead of the 2025 Children’s Day, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has acknowledged and honoured the 16-year-old award winning artist, Kanyechukwu Okeke living with autism.
Mrs Tinubu expressed happiness while receiving Okeke and his parents led by officials from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACCE) in the State House on Monday.
His achievement, according to the First Lady, demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with autism can excel in their chosen fields.
Mrs Tinubu through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under its Social Investment also encouraged Okeke and gave him a sum of N25 million to support his education.
Okeke, reportedly broken the Guinness record for the world’s largest painting measuring about 12,303 square meters surpassing previous world records, measured at 3000 square meters.
His canvas art was unveiled at the Eagles square Abuja to mark the 2025 world autism day.
The First Lady said that mental health cases and autism in children should not be seen as a barrier for their development.
She said Okeke’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.”
She further commended the Federal Government under the administration of President Bola Tinubu for supporting children living with mental health cases across the country.
Mrs Tinubu said artists like Kanyechukwu, is a rare person, 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,” the First Lady stated.
She however, thanked Okeke’s parents for loving and taking proper care of him.
Mrs Tinubu further urged the society and parents to pay attention to such children by recognising their talents and potential by providing them with platforms to showcase their skills.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, FMACCE, had said that Okeke made Nigeria proud both at home and abroad with his artworks.
He also described Okeke 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 appreciated the First Lady for her kindness and support for special children in the country.
She urged parents not to give up on their special children but to be hopeful for a brighter future.
The artist mother said that her son was able to achieve the level of success due to tenacity and perseverance.
“For parents, I will say, don’t give up, everyday the child has issues but always be hopeful that the child is going to be better and always work on the child,” she said.
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