ABUJA – A 15-year-old autistic Nigerian has set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest art canvas to raise awareness for autism.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke created a painting showcasing a multi-colored ribbon, symbolizing autism, surrounded by emojis, covering an impressive area of 12,304 square meters. The purpose of this artwork is to draw attention to the challenges faced by individuals like him who are on the autism spectrum in Nigeria, dealing with stigma and limited support resources.
“I felt fine. Happy. Just fine,” said Tagbo-Okeke, whose disorder limits his speech.
Surpassing the previous world record holder Emad Salehi, who was 42 years old when he set the record with a canvas of 9,652 square meters, Tagbo-Okeke’s artwork stands out for its size and significance in raising awareness about autism.
This massive painting was completed in November 2024 and was officially revealed and acknowledged by the Guinness World Record officials in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, during the World Autism Acceptance Day in April, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accepting individuals with autism.
Nigeria’s art and culture minister Hannatu Musawa said Tagbo-Okeke’s artwork is “a beacon of hope and inspiration” for people with autism.
“We recognize the unique abilities and potential of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industries,” Musawa added.
‘Impossibility is a Myth’
Born in Canada before moving to Nigeria, Tagbo-Okeke’s upbringing has been challenging, his family said. His father told The Associated Press during a recent interview that there was often fear, confusion and sadness along the way.
“Not being able to communicate with your son or have regular activities you could have with any other child is quite depressing,” Tagbo Okeke said.
Many people on the spectrum face stigma and limited resources in Nigeria, but Tagbo-Okeke’s family was determined to give him the best support.
The young artist’s record-breaking attempt, accompanied by a campaign tagged “Impossibility is a Myth,” was widely celebrated among Nigerians, partly because of his young age.
“We felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride, knowing the countless hours and months of effort he poured into breaking the record,” his mother Silvia said.
Many young people in Nigeria have attempted to break the Guinness World Record in recent years. At least seven Nigerians have broken world records in the past three years, including Hilda Baci, who won the longest cooking marathon and Tunde Onakoya, who played the longest chess marathon.
Early support is key
Kanyeyachukwu’s world record attempt also sought to raise funds for the Zeebah Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on providing support to those on the spectrum and their families.
While there are no official records from within Nigeria, about 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism, according to the World Health Organization.
Like in many other countries, autism is often not diagnosed in Nigeria until in older years.
The lack of reliable data on autism, adequate awareness and government support for the spectrum disorder are some of the biggest challenges autistic people face in Nigeria, said Stanley Effah, founder of the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation.
Effah, whose child is autistic, said his foundation is planning to launch an annual musical concert featuring major artists as part of efforts to raise awareness about autism in Nigeria.
Access to stem cell therapy for autistic children should also be included under the Nigerian National Health Insurance plan as a way to improve their care, Effah said.
Kanyeyachukwu’s mother said more government support was key to provide those on the spectrum the care they need early on in life.
Kanyeyachukwu was only diagnosed in Canada after years of failed attempts in Nigeria, the father said. The diagnosis paved the way to properly support him, including his love for drawing, discovered at the age of 4.
“We’ve done a lot of work with him,” he said. “Kanye can tidy his room, he can wash his clothes — all of this is because of early intervention. If left alone, he definitely would not be able to do these things.”
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