Autistic 15-yr-old Kanyeyachukwu clinches Guinness World Record for largest art canvas, minister pledges support
- Kanyeyachukwu Okeke receives Guinness World Record for largest art canvas in the world by an individual on Wednesday in Abuja.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old Nigerian artist, has broken the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Largest Painting, unveiling the world’s largest art canvas by an individual.
The record-breaking artwork, titled “Impossibility is a Myth,” was revealed in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).
The awe-inspiring canvas, measuring 12,303 square meters, more than twice the size of a football field, surpassed the previous record by nearly 3,000 square meters.
READ ALSO: Autistic 15-yr-old Kanyeyachukwu to unveil world’s largest art canvas
The unveiling at Eagles’ Square was attended by civil society groups, diplomats, traditional rulers, top government officials, and stakeholders in the arts and culture sector.
Tagbo-Okeke was presented with his GWR certificate during the event.
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, lauded the young artist’s achievement, calling it a “historic and inspiring milestone” that demonstrated how age and challenges were no barrier to greatness.
She emphasised that every Nigerian, regardless of background or disability, had the potential to make valuable contributions.
Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Mr Tagbo Okeke, shared that his son’s journey started with his love for colour and a carefully structured routine to help him focus.
He noted that the theme of the artwork, “Impossibility is a Myth,” reflected the challenges they faced in creating such a large-scale painting.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr Mohamed Fall, represented by Cristian Munduate of UNICEF, highlighted the importance of disability inclusion in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring equal access to opportunities for people with disabilities.
Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, lauded the achievement, emphasising that children with autism could be productive and should be provided with specialised education and care.
He encouraged the government to invest more in the education of autistic children.
Chikaodi Ofoegbu, Head of Retail at MTN Nigeria, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of creating an environment where innovation and inclusivity thrived, urging all Nigerians to nurture these values.
Musawa celebrates Kanyeyachukwu, pledges support for autistic artists
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting talented autistic children in Nigeria, following the historic achievement of 15-year-old autistic artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who was honoured by the Guinness World Records for painting the largest art canvas in the world.
Speaking at the unveiling and certificate presentation ceremony held at Eagle Square, Abuja, Minister Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa congratulated Kanyeyachukwu, describing his achievement as a monumental milestone that showcases the potential of autistic individuals in creative industries.
In her address, Minister Musawa hailed Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement as a testament to passion, dedication, and resilience, stating:
“We are here to honour fifteen-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy who has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work. By breaking this world record, he has not only set a new standard but also proven that age is no barrier to greatness.”
She further described the young artist’s record-breaking artwork, titled “Impossible is a Myth,” as a symbol of hope and inspiration for autistic individuals worldwide.
“We recognize the unique abilities of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industries,” she added.
Minister Musawa pledged that the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy will create more opportunities for autistic children to develop their creative skills and showcase their talents.
“We will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure autistic children have the support they need to pursue their passions and excel in the arts.”
The prestigious event, which coincided with World Autism Awareness Day, was attended by: UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed M. Malik, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, Director-General, National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, President, Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, Representatives of the Chief of Defense Staff and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Guinness World Records Organization representatives Popular Afrobeat singer, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (D’banj).
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, recognition, and empowerment for autistic individuals in Nigeria’s creative sector.
