In a remarkable achievement, a 15-year-old Nigerian, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, has made his mark on the world by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas. This artistic feat was not just a testament to his skill but also a campaign to raise awareness for autism. The painting spans an incredible 12,304 square meters, significantly larger than a standard soccer field, which measures 7,140 square meters.
Tagbo-Okeke, who faces challenges associated with autism, designed the canvas with a multi-colored ribbon, the recognized symbol of autism, surrounded by a variety of emojis. The artwork is a powerful symbol designed to bring attention to the struggles and limited resources available to those like him in Nigeria.
When asked about his accomplishment, Tagbo-Okeke expressed modest emotions. “I felt fine. Happy. Just fine,” he reflected. This sentiment marks his triumph over the previous record held by Emad Salehi, who was 42 when he created a 9,652-square meter canvas.
The official recognition of this monumental artwork took place during World Autism Acceptance Day in April, in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. According to Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s art and culture minister, Tagbo-Okeke’s creation stands as “a beacon of hope and inspiration” for the autistic community. Musawa further stressed a commitment to exploring and fostering opportunities for individuals with autism within the creative industries.
Tagbo-Okeke, originally born in Canada before relocating to Nigeria, has faced numerous challenges throughout his upbringing. His family’s journey was described as filled with fear, confusion, and sorrow by his father, who expressed the difficulties of raising a non-verbal child. Despite these challenges, his family was committed to providing him with unwavering support.
The young artist’s campaign, which carried the slogan “Impossibility is a Myth,” received widespread acclaim across Nigeria, especially considering his age. This sentiment was echoed by his mother, Silvia, who spoke of the pride and relief that came with seeing his relentless dedication culminate in a world record.
In recent years, many young Nigerians have reached for Guinness World Records, with at least seven individuals having succeeded in various categories. Among them are Hilda Baci, who completed the longest cooking marathon, and Tunde Onakoya, known for the longest chess marathon.
Tagbo-Okeke’s initiative also doubled as a fundraising effort for the Zeebah Foundation, which aids individuals and families affected by autism. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in every 100 children globally is on the autism spectrum. However, in Nigeria, autism diagnoses are often delayed due to a lack of awareness, resources, and government support.
Stanley Effah, founder of the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation and a parent of an autistic child, highlighted these issues, also advocating for initiatives such as an annual musical concert to bolster autism awareness. He called for including stem cell therapy under Nigeria’s National Health Insurance to enhance care for those with autism.
Tagbo-Okeke’s journey illustrates the crucial role of early support, as emphasized by his mother. She pointed out that Kanyeyachukwu was only diagnosed after moving to Canada, a turning point that helped channel his love for art, discovered at the tender age of four. His father further emphasized early intervention, which has enabled Kanyeyachukwu to manage daily tasks independently.
With hard work and family support, Tagbo-Okeke not only broke records but also helped illuminate the need for greater awareness and resources for the autistic community in Nigeria.