“He is Such a Gifted Boy with a Brilliant Mind” – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu
…As She Honours 16-Year-Old Autistic Award-Winning Artist, Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke
Ahead of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has acknowledged and honoured 16-year-old award-winning artist, Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke.
Senator Tinubu expressed joy over the extraordinary talent of the young autistic artist, who recently earned a place in the Guinness World Records. She also commended his parents for their unwavering love and for refusing to live in denial about their son’s condition.
According to the First Lady, Kanye’s achievement is proof that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with autism can thrive and excel in their chosen fields.
“This is a call to all parents to rise above the situation and embrace these children with love. Encourage them. They will show passion for only one thing — support them along that line and watch how they will excel.”
She emphasized that autism and mental health challenges in children should never be viewed as barriers to development. Kanye’s record-setting artwork, titled “Impossibility is a Myth”, which earned him the Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas by an individual, is a testament to this belief.
Senator Tinubu noted that artists like Kanyechukwu are rare gems, and that many children with special needs are highly gifted and capable of achieving greatness.
“During the World Autism Awareness Day, I usually issue a statement, which we did again this year. But I’m glad we are now able to recognise him in person. Tomorrow is Children’s Day — there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate him.”
“Autism, and mental health in general, affects very brilliant children. You just have to pay attention to them. Their interest may be singular and focused — just support that interest and push them forward.”
Fondly called Kanye, the teenage artist created the monumental painting titled “Impossibility is a Myth”, measuring 12,381.02 square metres — nearly twice the size of a football pitch. On April 2, 2025 (World Autism Awareness Day), the Guinness World Records officially verified the achievement, recognising Kanye’s artistry, resilience, and his role in promoting autism awareness, inclusion, and neurodiversity.
The shy but visibly delighted artist presented one of his artworks to Senator Tinubu during the event.
Through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under the Social Investment Programme, the First Lady also gifted Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke a sum of ₦25 million to support his education and further development.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, commended Kanye for making Nigeria proud both at home and internationally with his extraordinary artworks.
He described the young artist as an exceptional child and noted that the Ministry is proud to showcase him as a role model to raise awareness about autism in Nigeria. He also highlighted the immense potential of young people with autism when given the right guidance and opportunities.
Kanye’s mother, Mrs. Silvia Okeke, expressed her deep appreciation to the First Lady for her kindness and ongoing support for children with special needs.
“For parents, I’ll say — don’t give up. Every day, there are challenges, but always, always remain hopeful that the child will improve. Keep working on the child.”
SIGNED
Busola Kukoyi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Monday, 26th May 2025
