By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja

ABUJA — The Federal Government has said Nigeria must embrace creative arts not only as a cultural asset but as a strategic tool for disability inclusion, social integration and national development.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Iziaq Salako, made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the Myth Exhibition and Policy Discourse organised by the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Society in collaboration with the National Assembly Library.

Salako said Nigeria is at a critical point where art can help dismantle stereotypes, promote inclusion and strengthen the country’s health and social welfare systems, particularly for people living with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

The event honoured 16-year-old Master Kanyeyachukwu Okeke, a teenager living with autism whose Guinness World Record–holding artwork has drawn global attention to creative expression without barriers.

According to the minister, the government is prioritising multisectoral partnerships to reduce barriers faced by persons with autism and other disabilities, adding that creative expression remains a powerful tool for communication, healing and empowerment.

“Today’s exhibition shows that inclusion is more than policy; it is a lived reality that we must deliberately nurture,” he said.

He assured stakeholders that ongoing reforms in mental health, disability inclusion and social welfare would increasingly support community-led initiatives that use art to promote awareness and belonging.

Salako commended parents, caregivers and advocates for their commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for neurodiverse persons, describing their efforts as central to inclusive national development.

National President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman, described Okeke as a gifted young creative whose work challenges societal assumptions about disability.

He said the teenager’s artwork, The Myth Impact, helps break down stigma associated with disability and demonstrates the power of art to transform perceptions.

Also speaking, Mr. Tagbo Okeke, father of the artist, called for increased investment in therapy, diagnosis and early intervention for children living with autism across the country.

He said many families are unable to afford essential care, stressing the need for wider public awareness and stronger social support systems.

The exhibition continues to attract policymakers, artists, disability advocates and young creatives, highlighting the importance of inclusive systems that recognise diverse talents and perspectives.