Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a donation of ₦20 million in support of the “Cycling for Autism with KanyeChukwu” initiative, as part of activities marking World Autism Awareness Day.
The governor made this known while receiving members of the campaign team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he emphasized the need for greater understanding of autism.
According to Abiodun, autism should not be seen as a disease but as a unique condition that requires patience, care, and proper support systems. He noted that children living with autism possess special abilities that can be developed when given the right opportunities.
He also praised 16-year-old Nigerian artist and autism advocate, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, for his outstanding achievements. The teenager, who lives with non-verbal autism, gained international recognition after setting a 2025 Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest art canvas in Abuja.
The governor further commended the artist’s parents for their dedication and for nurturing his talent, describing their efforts as a source of inspiration to other families. He urged parents of children with autism to focus on discovering and developing their children’s potential rather than allowing them to face exclusion.
Earlier, KanyeChukwu’s father highlighted the challenges associated with autism care in Nigeria, noting that treatment can be costly and that there is a shortage of trained caregivers.
He explained that the “Cycling for Autism” campaign is moving across several states to raise awareness in communities, schools, and religious centres. The initiative also aims to train at least 1,000 caregivers nationwide.
Backed by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, the campaign is expected to cover more than 600 kilometres across the country.
