As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Autism Day 2025, on Wednesday, a 15-year old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke with autism created a new Guinness World Record with the largest art canvas measuring 12,303.87 m² (132,437 ft² 116.85 in²) in Abuja.
Tagbo-Okeke who hails from Anambra State was officially handed over the Guinness World Records Certificate by The Guinness World Record Ajudicator, Mr. Glenn Pollard after the paintings were unveiled at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
His paintings are recognised in the art world, and he was supported by the Zeebah Foundation, and MTN Nigeria.
The theme of 2025 Autism Day, ‘Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’
The Guinness World Record Ajudicator, Mr. Glenn Pollard, expressed excitement over the feat achieved by Tagbo-Okeke who started the paintings in November 2024.
Pollard said: “Your paint on the canvass of 12,303.87 m² and smashed all records in November last year.
“This is your certificate Kanye, for this your fantastic record, on behalf of the Guinness World Records, I will say you were exceptionally amazing and well done for your achievement.”
Meanwhile, the certificate was officially presented to Tagbo-Okeke by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Earlier, Musawa in her remarks underscored that, “He (Tagbo-Okeke) has turned his creativity into a powerful voice for inclusion. Proofing that talent has no boundaries, and indeed, impossibility.”
She further stated that, “Honestly, if I can say that there was one person that really, really inspired me to know that within the art structure, that there was hope for the future of Nigeria, it was Kanye.
“That inspiration that I got in the interaction that I had with Kanye really gave me the knowledge that there is so much power in this and even from a personal point of view when I was dealing with so many personal issues when I looked at Kanye and saw what he was over able to overcome I just knew that there is no excuse for failure in whatever period of time that you have to add value to this country through this mandate.
“If Kanye can do it you can do it so I want to personally thank Kanye for that I also recall that they mentioned that Kanye’s artistic journey began in childhood when he discovered colour as a powerful mode of self-expression, well, today, having crafted an awe-inspiring artwork spanning an impressive 12,303.87 m², and title in each of us especially when we have the courage to work tirelessly towards our dreams and our goals.”
Also, the Head, Retail, North MTN Nigeria, Chikaodi Ofoegbu, spoke about MTN’s support of Kanye, MTN’s ongoing Go M.A.D (Make A Difference) campaign and how Kanye embodies their message.
“It is an immense honour to be at this event, on the occasion of a truly inspiring masterpiece by a remarkable artist, Kanye Tago-Okeke.
“Today, we are not just witnessing a record breaking moment. It is a celebration of what is possible when human ingenuity meets unwavering determination. Kanye has immersed his unique ability to create this large symbolic canvas.
“We are dedicated to creating an environment where innovation thrives and where every individual, regardless of their circumstances has the tool to make a lasting impact. We are here to show our unwavering support to those living with autism and their families as we mark World Autism Awareness Day.
“Let us all draw inspiration from Kanye’s journey and continue to nurture a culture of innovation and inclusivity. As we celebrate this monumental achievement, may we also commit ourselves to making a difference in our own spheres, contributing to a world that promotes diversity and fosters creativity for a brighter and better future”, Ofoegbu said.
In attendance was the Osama of Asaba, Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze; Mother of Art Guinness World Records, Dr. Silva Okeke; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa; Mr. Tagbo Okeke and Former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke; Senator Victor Umeh; 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole.
Others were traditional rulers, Civil Society Organizations, entertainment stars, artists, Persons With Disabilities, National Youth Service Corps, media, schools, and others.
