Abuja: The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has acknowledged and honoured the 16-year-old award-winning artist, Kanyechukwu Okeke, who is living with autism. Mrs. Tinubu expressed happiness while receiving Okeke and his parents, led by officials from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACCE) in the State House.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted that Okeke's achievement demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with autism can excel in their chosen fields. Through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), under its Social Investment program, she also encouraged Okeke and awarded him a sum of N25 million to support his education.
Okeke is the Guinness record holder for the world's largest painting, measuring about 12,303 square meters, surpassing previous world records, which were measured at 3,000 square meters. His canvas art was unveiled at the Eagles Square Abuja to mark the 2025 World Autism Day.
The First Lady emphasized that mental health cases and autism in children should not be viewed as a barrier to their development. She praised Okeke's achievement in setting a Guinness World Record for the largest painting on a canvas by an individual, a painting titled 'Impossibility is a myth,' as commendable.
Mrs. Tinubu further commended the Federal Government, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, for supporting children living with mental health cases across the country. She noted that artists like Kanyechukwu are rare and remarked that most children like him are exceptional in whatever they choose to do.
During the World Autism Awareness Day, Mrs. Tinubu usually issues a statement, and she expressed her gladness in being able to recognize Okeke's achievements this year.