Musawa hails autistic teen Kanyeyachukwu for second Guinness World Record
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Saturday congratulated 16-year-old non-verbal autistic teenager, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, on achieving his second Guinness World Record. Kanyeyachukwu set
- From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Saturday congratulated 16-year-old non-verbal autistic teenager, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, on achieving his second Guinness World Record.
Kanyeyachukwu set a new record as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles (160.9 km), marking another milestone in his growing list of achievements.
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The feat represents his second certified Guinness World Record, following his historic recognition last year for the largest painting on canvas by an individual, unveiled in Abuja. Together, the accomplishments position him among Nigeria’s most outstanding young achievers.
Kanyeyachukwu began the cycling journey from Enugu State on March 14, 2026, traversed seven states, and completed the ride in Lagos on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2026, in a symbolic effort to promote autism awareness.
Commending the teenager, Musawa said, “Kanyeyachukwu’s journey crosses geography and expectation. From canvas to highway, he carries Enugu’s spirit through seven states to Lagos — stamina, imagination and quiet courage in every mile.
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"He reminds us that the creative economy includes every voice and every way of moving through the world.”
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The minister pledged the ministry’s support for national exhibitions of Kanyeyachukwu’s artwork and youth-focused programmes that connect creativity with advocacy, particularly in advancing autism awareness.
She also commended Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the warm reception accorded to the teenager and lauded his pledge of N200 million towards autism advocacy and the Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke Foundation.
Musawa further assured that the ministry would host Kanyeyachukwu in Abuja for a youth creativity forum focused on non-verbal expression, endurance storytelling, and community participation in the arts and tourism sectors.
Kanyeyachukwu continues to champion inclusion, working to break stigma, advocate supportive government policies, and raise funds to train 1,000 caregivers.
