In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the United Nations and key stakeholders have celebrated 15-year-old Nigerian artist Kanyeyachukwu Okeke for breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest painting created by an individual with autism.
UN resident coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Fall spoke during yesterday’s unveiling of Kanyeyachukwu’s painting in Abuja.
LEADERSHIP had earlier reported how Kanyeyachukwu spent three months working on a canvas spanning an astonishing 12,303 square metres under his artwork entitled “Impossibility is a Myth,” which surpassed the previous record of 9,652 square metres.
Fall, represented by Christian Mundate, UNICEF Nigeria’s country representative, praised Kanye for conveying a powerful message through his art, emphasising inclusion, resilience, and the rights of every child to recognition and support.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring that children, especially those on the autism spectrum, have equal access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.
Fall stated, “Today, we celebrate Kanyeyachukwu Okeke, a young artist whose talent and determination have captivated the world. His Guinness World Record achievement is not just a personal milestone but a powerful testament to the limitless potential that lies within every individual, regardless of ability.”
He also reemphasised the significance of disability inclusion as a core element of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that true progress is achieved when societies embrace diversity and create environments where every child can reach their full potential.
“As we admire this breathtaking work of art, let it also remind us of our shared responsibility to create a world where neurodivergent individuals are empowered, respected, and provided the space to express their full potential, like our Kanye here,” he added.
He concluded by congratulating Kanye, his family, and all those who supported his journey, urging greater understanding and action for autism awareness.
Tagbo Okeke, father of Kanyeyachukwu, spoke passionately at the unveiling, tying the event to World Artisan Day and the expansion of human potential.
He explained the title of his son’s painting, “Impossibility is a Myth,” saying that many initially doubted the project’s realisation, but Kanyeyachukwu proved them wrong.
“We gave it that title because we knew that when we started to talk about this project, many people said it would be impossible to do. And then we just started this impossibility that doesn’t exist. It will be a myth, and today Kanye has proved it.”
He also reflected on Kanyeyachukwu’s three-month effort, expressing gratitude for the support received and underscoring the importance of celebrating world artisans globally, especially children of artisans.
He called for greater tolerance and inclusion, highlighting that these children possess unique talents that deserve recognition and opportunity.
“Today we are here celebrating World Artisan Day, and at the same time, we are celebrating what can be called the expansion of human capacity to do what many regard as impossible. The theme of my son’s art piece is “Impossibility is a myth”.
“We gave it that title because we knew that when we started to talk about this project, many people said it would be impossible to do, and Kanye has proved it today. This art piece took him three months to do. We are grateful. We feel highly blessed and favoured by the people who have come to celebrate with him.
“We are highly, highly blessed and thankful, but at the same time, we will not take away the fact, the main fact from this occasion. We are here to celebrate world artisans and so what we are doing here is actually for the children of artisans all over Nigeria, Africa, and the world. It was significant for us, and we did it on purpose. This painting will be revealed on World Artisan Day so the world can see what these children can do,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, emphasised the Defence Headquarters’ human-centric, people-focused philosophy.
He praised Kanyeyachukwu’s courage and determination, noting that despite his autism, Kanye exemplifies the potential within everyone.”
“When Kanye came today to his office to pay me a courtesy call, I actually fell in love with the fact that despite having autism, he still had the courage to go ahead to do all this. That’s why the Defence supported him 100 per cent.”
“The CDS is passionate about this project because it develops people. And he’s also saying that this is a non-kinetic way of bringing security because when people are involved in productive ventures like this, they won’t be recruited by militants; they will be engaged in productive ventures,” he said.
He also conveyed the CDS’s strong support for Kanyeyachukwu, noting that disability should not be considered a limitation.
“Every disabled person has an inherent ability,” he stated. “That’s why the CDS, General Christopher Gwabi Musa, is fully involved with this and is supporting it 110 per cent.”
