Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated non-verbal autistic teenager, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, on achieving his second Guinness World Record — this time as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles (160.9 km).
The feat marks Kanyeyachukwu’s second certified Guinness World Record, after his historic recognition for the largest painting on canvas by an individual, unveiled in Abuja last year.
Overall, the two records established the 16-year-old as one of Nigeria’s most remarkable young achievers.
He set off from Enugu State on March 14, crossed seven states, and completed the journey in Lagos on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
“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. He reminds us that the creative economy includes every voice and every way of moving through the world,” Musawa said.
She pledged the Ministry’s support for national exhibitions of Kanyeyachukwu’s artwork and for youth programmes that link creativity with advocacy, including autism awareness.
The minister also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, for his pledge of ₦200 million for autism advocacy and the Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke Foundation.
She added that the ministry would also host Kanyeyachukwu in Abuja for a youth creativity forum highlighting non-verbal expression, endurance storytelling, and community participation in the arts and tourism sectors.
Olawale Ajimotokan
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