Autism Awareness: Governor Abiodun Donates N20 Million to Cycling for Autism Initiative

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has donated N20 million to the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative in support of its nationwide campaign to raise awareness about autism.

The Governor made the donation when he received the team behind the initiative at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday. Describing autism as not a disease but a special condition that requires understanding and dedicated care, he commended the family of Master Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke for refusing to see their child’s condition as a limitation.

Master Kanye, a 16-year-old Nigerian painter and autism awareness advocate, was diagnosed with non-verbal autism but communicates powerfully through vibrant abstract art. He holds the 2025 Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas, created in Abuja, and has received international recognition including the Austrian Flame of Peace Award at age eight.

Governor Abiodun noted that children with autism possess unique abilities that often exceed the average, but discovering them requires patience and diligence.

“Your son, Kanye, has distinguished himself in the world of art at a very young age. He set a Guinness World Record by painting a 12,380sqm canvas in Abuja. He also won the Austrian Flame of Peace Award at the age of eight and has held exhibitions across Europe, Africa, and North America,” the Governor said.

“These are not accidents; they are the result of deliberate and intentional efforts by you and your wife to bring out the best in your son.”

The Governor urged parents of children with autism to emulate such commitment by identifying and nurturing their children’s unique talents rather than allowing them to remain idle. He applauded the family for demonstrating that autism should not be seen as a handicap but as an opportunity to unlock hidden potential, as evidenced by Kanye’s achievements in art and sports.

“Kanye exemplifies someone who has defied limitations. His condition has not been allowed to become crippling; instead, his strengths have been discovered and celebrated. We now see him not just as a child with autism, but as a celebrated artist—a Guinness World Record holder with over 400 paintings and still creating,” Abiodun added.

Earlier, the father of the young artist, Mr. Tagbo Okeke, explained that autism is a condition that is costly to manage and stressed the need for proper care to achieve positive outcomes. He noted the shortage of trained caregivers in the country and said the Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu initiative is raising awareness across states—from Enugu to Lagos—reaching rural and underserved communities, schools, and churches.

He added that the initiative has partnered with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and is expected to cover over 600 kilometres nationwide.

“We are also raising funds to train caregivers. Our target is to begin with 1,000 autism caregivers this year,” Mr. Okeke stated.

Governor Abiodun said the visit had broadened his perspective on autism and encouraged him by the team’s efforts to educate Nigerians. He assured them that the N20 million donation would not be a one-off, pledging continued support for the cause.

The Cycling for Autism campaign holds annually on April 2 to raise awareness about autism across Nigeria.