First Lady awards N25m to autistic Guinness World Record-holding artist

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday presented a N25 million cash award to 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke, an autistic artist who recently set a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest canvas painting.

Kanyeyachukwu earned the global recognition in November 2024 after completing a 12,304 square meter artwork featuring a multi-colored ribbon—the symbol for autism—surrounded by emojis. The painting was created to raise awareness about autism through art.

Receiving him at the State House in Abuja, Senator Tinubu said the financial support would go toward his education. She praised his creativity and courage despite the challenges of living with autism.

“I read and heard about the young lad and sent for him. I want to thank the parents for loving him,” she said. “Mental health challenges occur in many very intelligent children. I am aware of the many challenges of autism and have written a book to raise awareness.”

She used the occasion to encourage parents of special needs children to nurture their children’s unique abilities, saying many of them have a single area of exceptional talent that should be developed. “There couldn’t have been a better day than today, just before Children’s Day, to recognize Kanye,” she added.

Representing the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, described Kanyeyachukwu’s accomplishment as a symbol of hope for other young Nigerians.

He attributed the artist’s success to the First Lady’s youth empowerment efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative. “Through programs that bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, you ensure that no talent goes unnoticed,” he said.

Senator Tinubu presented Kanyeyachukwu with a symbolic cheque and gifts, while the young artist offered her a painting he created along with his Guinness World Record certificate.