The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has donated ₦20 million to the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative in support of efforts to raise awareness about autism across Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun made the donation on Tuesday while receiving members of the Cycling for Autism team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He emphasized that autism is not a disease but a special condition that requires understanding, patience, and dedicated care from families and society.
The governor described children living with autism as individuals with unique abilities, noting that many possess exceptional talents that can flourish when properly nurtured. He commended the parents of Master Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 16-year-old Nigerian painter and autism awareness advocate, for their unwavering commitment to supporting their son’s development despite the challenges associated with autism.
Master Kanyeyachukwu, who lives with non-verbal autism, gained international recognition after setting the 2025 Guinness World Record for creating the largest art canvas in Abuja. He communicates through expressive abstract paintings and has received several global recognitions, including the Austrian Flame of Peace Award at the age of eight, with exhibitions held across Europe, Africa, and North America.
Governor Abiodun noted that the young artist’s achievements demonstrate the importance of identifying and nurturing the talents of children with autism, rather than focusing on their limitations. He encouraged parents and caregivers to remain patient and proactive in discovering the potential within their children.
He further stated that the visit by the Cycling for Autism team had deepened his understanding of autism and strengthened his resolve to support initiatives that promote awareness and inclusion for persons with autism and other developmental conditions.
Earlier, the father of the young artist, Mr. Tagbo Okeke, explained that autism is not a disease but a lifelong condition that requires significant financial and emotional support. He highlighted the shortage of trained caregivers in Nigeria and stressed the urgent need to build capacity in autism care services.
Mr. Okeke disclosed that the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative is currently undertaking an awareness campaign across several states, travelling from Enugu to Lagos to reach rural and underserved communities, schools, and religious institutions.
He added that the initiative has partnered with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and is expected to cover more than 600 kilometres nationwide, while also raising funds to train autism caregivers.
According to him, the organisation aims to train at least 1,000 autism caregivers within the year as part of efforts to improve support services for children and families affected by autism in Nigeria.
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