Guinness World Record Honours 15-yr-old Autistic Nigerian For The Largest Artwork

Nigeria’s flag was once again raised high last week with 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, achieving the impossible, setting a global record in artwork, thereby shattering the previous Guinness World Record for largest painting by an individual.  Kanye, an autistic prodigy’s record-breaking 12,303.87 square metres artwork dumped into the bin the previous record of 9,632 square metres.

Kanyeyachukwu had, on November 24, 2024, broken the Guinness world record for the largest canvas painting when he painted on a 12,303.87 square meter canvas to dust the previous record.

The artwork themed Impossibility is a myth meant to create autism and mental health awareness. The artwork has since continued to attract commendation as Kanye, by his record-setting artwork, has proven that there is always ability in every disability.

Kanye’s record-breaking feat was unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, with the Guinness World Record issuing him a certificate for the largest artwork by an individual.

The unveiling had in attendance the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria,  Director General, National Art Gallery, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi amongst many dignitaries, which also include artists and other well-wishers who thronged the popular Eagle Square to cheer the young autistic prodigy.

President Bola Tinubu, who was excited by the feat, celebrated Kanye’s achievement, saying it has drawn global attention, not only for its artistic magnitude but also as a testament to the limitless potential of individuals with autism.

“You said, Impossibility is a myth,’ and you set out to prove that impossibility was nothing when you created the largest art canvas in the world at 12,303.87 square meters,” President Tinubu wrote in a tribute on his verified X handle.

“You are brave, audacious, and tenacious. Your story has made history, and Nigeria is proud of you, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke.”

Speaking at the unveiling, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hanatu Musawa and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa promised to support talents in the country, with the aim of harnessing them for the development of the nation.

Musawa said the feat is proof that with the right opportunity and guidance, our young people can achieve the unimaginable. The Minister said, “It is with great joy that I stand before you today, as we come together to celebrate an extraordinary achievement. Today, we are not only witnessing the breaking of a world record but also the triumph of determination, perseverance, and the unrelenting spirit of the Nigerian youth.

“We are here to honour fifteen year old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy if I may say, who has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work. By breaking this world record, Kanyeyachukwu has not only set a new record but has also demonstrated to us all that age is no barrier to greatness.”

The Minister stressed that the ministry “is committed to nurturing and supporting the talents of young people such as Kanye.

“His achievement today is proof that with the right opportunity and guidance, our young people can achieve the unimaginable.”

She stressed that Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement is for the entire nation, adding that “it is indeed a historic and inspiring milestone.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the feat as further attestation of the renewed hope and resilience of the Nigerian people.

Musa who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole noted that Kanye’s success is a pointer on the need to prioritize talents, discovering and making concerted efforts to support gifted individuals with appropriate platforms that will showcase and elevate them to the limelight.

“This is particularly important as Nigeria faces contemporary security threats that require both kinetic and non-kinetic measures,” he added.

He added: “Today’s event offers us another dimension to tackling insecurity through non-kinetic means. By nurturing and showcasing talents, we can easily win the hearts and minds of people, encouraging them to embrace legitimate endeavours that project their image positively rather than resulting in crime and acts of terror as a means to make their voices heard.

“As we join other great Nigerians to celebrate the Guinness Book of World Records, let us be ever reminded that indeed, impossibility is only a myth.  Kanye’s journey is a compelling narrative of determination, creativity, and perseverance. Despite the challenges associated with autism, he has defied limitations and redefined the artistic world.”

The Guinness World Record Adjudicator, 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 canvas 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.”

UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the art piece as an extraordinary masterpiece, one that not only breaks records but also breaks barriers.

He noted that disability inclusion is central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the 2030 agenda for sustainable development calls for leaving no one behind, and this includes ensuring that persons with disabilities, like Kanye, have equal access to opportunities, education and employment. Falls, who was represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, observed that true progress can only be achieved when societies embrace diversity and create environments where every child, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully and reach their full potential.

She said: “It is a moment of awareness day and thus we are witness to unveiling an extraordinary masterpiece, one that not only breaks records but also breaks barriers.

“Today we are celebrating Kanyeyachukwu, a young artist, whose talent and determination have captivated the world and is now inspiring children in Nigeria. His greatest world record achievement is not just a personal milestone but a very powerful testament to the limitless potential of what you can achieve with will. Helping and supporting people with disabilities helps so much the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals around the world.

“When we speak about autism and the opportunity that can be given to children and to many adolescents, we are talking about specific Sustainable Development Goals. And the purpose is leaving no one behind and this includes that all people with disabilities, like the ones in here, have an equal access to opportunities like access to education and employment. True progress can only be achieved when societies embrace diversity and create environments where every child, regardless of ability, can contribute to the experience, meaningful to which they are full of potential.

“The United Nations is committed to advocating the rights of people and persons with disabilities and every child, especially those on the autism spectrum, to have equal opportunities as I mentioned, education, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive through inclusion and basic services.

As we are admiring this breathtaking work of art, let us remind ourselves of our shared responsibility to create a world where all individuals are empowered, respected, and provided the space to express their full potential.”

The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, on his part said:  “The National Gallery of Art is committed to promoting and preserving Nigerian art, and we are proud to have played a role in supporting Kanye’s artistic heritage.  This award really marks a significant milestone in our effort to showcase Nigerian art to the world. As we marvel at the magnificent artwork, we remain touched as we remember Frisco’s famous and ugly title, Impossibility is a Myth.

“We are reminded of the transformative power of art. Art has the ability to inspire, to educate, and to challenge our assumptions. It speaks to our shared humanity, invoking emotions, sparking imagination and prospecting hope.”

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria,  Mr James Christoff stressed the need for inclusion irrespective of background and circumstances.

He said: “This journey is not only inspiring, but also proof of the power that comes from pushing beyond limits, both for persons with disabilities, but for all future generations. Various factors contribute to a person’s success, but society and community has a key role to play in recognising and embracing everyone’s diversity. In Canada, this belief is woven into the very fabric of our culture.

“Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the same opportunity to succeed. This commitment extends to the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. In my country, we strive for a society where everyone has the chance to thrive, taking into account their unique challenges and starting points.”

He further added: “We understand that our differences contribute to the strength of our nation. This belief is reflected in the way we live, interact, and express ourselves. It can be seen in our art, heard in our music, and even tasted in our diverse cuisine, as I have experienced here in Nigeria.”

The proud father of GWR holder, Mr. Tagbo-Okeke, said the feat is a celebration of expansion of human capacity to do what many regard as impossible.

Tagbo-Okeke said at the beginning many had doubted the possibility, hence the title “impossibility is myth”.

He said: “Today we are here celebrating World Autism Day and at the same time we are celebrating what can be called the expansion of human capacity to do what many regard as impossible.

“The theme of my son’s art piece, its title is Impossibility is a Myth. “We gave it that title because we knew that when we started to talk about this project, a lot of people said it was going to be impossible to do.

“And then we just said that this impossibility that they are speaking about is going to be a myth and today Kanye has proved it. This art piece took him three months to do.

“We are grateful. We feel highly blessed and we feel highly favored with the people that have come to celebrate with him. We are highly blessed and thankful.

“At the same time, we will not take away the fact, the main fact from this occasion. We are here to celebrate World Autism Day. And so what we are doing here is actually for the children that are living with autism, all over Nigeria, all over Africa, all over the world.

“It was significant for us and we did it on purpose, that this painting will be revealed on World Autism Day, for the world to see what these children can do. They are specially gifted and what they need is tolerance and inclusion from everyone.”