By Solomon Nwoke

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, (also known as Kanye) is a 16- year-old non-verbal autistic teenager and acclaimed artist who uses his talents to break barriers has become something of a natural treasure. He has now accomplished 2 Guinness World Records in one year which in itself merits a world record.

He completed a cross-country, over 600km cycling journey from Enugu to Lagos (March 16–April 2, 2026) to raise autism awareness as the world marked the World Autism Day held yesterday.

As a 2025 Guinness World Record holder for creating the largest art canvas (over 12,000 sq m), he has now set a new record attempt as the Youngest solo cyclist covering a 100 mile across several states from Enugu, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ogun and terminating it at Lagos covering a distance of 687km, supported by initiatives like Amplify Africa. 

The Mission, named “Ride for Autism,” this campaign aims to break the Guinness World Record for the youngest cyclist to cover the distance from Enugu to Lagos, fostering autism inclusion and education.

Speaking at his reception yesterday which coincided with the World Autism Awareness Day at the Lagos House, Marina, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gifted a N200 million support package for autism advocacy and caregiver development.

The governor also announced a donation of N100 million to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation and another N100 million to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).

The event was also used to celebrate a teenage autism advocate and world record holder, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who arrived  Lagos after a long-distance cycling advocacy journey that began in Enugu on March 14.

He said the funds would serve as a first-level support to strengthen autism advocacy, expand access to care and train more professional caregivers for children with special needs.

“I will give N100 million to all autism-focused groups under LASODA and an additional N100 million from the Lagos State Government to the foundation.

“This is not just about one child. It is about using this platform to touch many others who do not have the same opportunity.

“We must train and develop real caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to support our children with special needs.

“Once we do that, half of the problem is solved,” he said.

The governor said Kanyeyachukwu’s feat had gone beyond setting a record, but a powerful message of hope, resilience and inclusion for persons on the autism spectrum.

He said Kanyeyachukwu had demonstrated that every child, irrespective of condition, carried immense value, talent and potential waiting to be nurtured and celebrated.

Sanwo-Olu said the young advocate had turned awareness into action by using his journey to spotlight autism and inspire families across the country.

“He has shown us that every child on the autism spectrum carries within them something extraordinary, something waiting to be seen, waiting to be supported and waiting to be celebrated.

“Today, we are not just receiving a record holder, we are receiving a young Nigerian of rare courage, great strength and remarkable determination.

“Your advocacy has helped many people to see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of expressing and contributing to our world,” he said.

In his remarks, Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Mr Tagbo-Okeke, thanked the Lagos State Government for receiving the team and supporting the advocacy journey.

He said the cycling trip, which passed through several states before arriving in Lagos, was completed without any accident or major incident, despite initial concerns over the rigours on the road.

Tagbo-Okeke said the family chose Lagos as the final destination because of the state’s reputation for excellence, innovation and inclusive leadership.

He also commended Sanwo-Olu for fostering a youth-friendly administration and for backing initiatives that uplift vulnerable members of the society.

“We came all the way to Lagos because we believe this is truly the Centre of Excellence.

“We did not record a single accident or mishap throughout our journey, and we give God the glory for that.

“Lagos stands out because of the quality of leadership and the commitment of this administration to young people and to causes that matter,” he said.