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Nigerian teenager sets world painting record with canvas that's bigger than a soccer field

ABC News's profile
ABC News
17h ago

Fifteen-year-old Nigerian Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who is autistic, achieved a Guinness World Record by creating the world's largest art canvas, spanning 12,304 square meters, to raise autism awareness. His painting, featuring a multi-colored ribbon symbolic of autism, was unveiled in Abuja during World Autism Acceptance Day, highlighting the challenges and stigma faced by individuals on the spectrum in Nigeria. Supported by his family, Tagbo-Okeke's record-breaking feat was part of a campaign called 'Impossibility is a Myth,' aiming to inspire and provide hope for autistic people. His accomplishment also aimed to support the Zeebah Foundation, focusing on supporting individuals with autism and their families. Despite limited resources and challenges in obtaining an early diagnosis in Nigeria, Tagbo-Okeke's family provided significant support, enabling him to thrive creatively and personally.

Nigerian teenager sets world painting record with canvas that's bigger than a soccer field

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old autistic Nigerian, set a Guinness World Record with a 12,304-square-meter art canvas, surpassing the size of a soccer field and the previous record by Emad Salehi of 9,652 square meters.

The artwork, featuring a multi-colored autism ribbon and emojis, was unveiled during World Autism Acceptance Day in Abuja, aiming to raise awareness about autism and the challenges faced by those on the spectrum in Nigeria.

Tagbo-Okeke's family faced challenges in his upbringing due to his autism, but they remained determined to provide the best support, leading to his creative success and personal growth.

The record-breaking attempt served as part of the 'Impossibility is a Myth' campaign, inspiring many Nigerians and highlighting the potential of individuals with autism in creative fields.

The initiative also sought to raise funds for the Zeebah Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families, addressing the lack of resources and awareness in Nigeria.

Autism in Nigeria is often diagnosed late due to limited resources and awareness, which presents challenges for families, but early intervention, as seen in Tagbo-Okeke's case, can significantly improve outcomes.

Calls for increased government support, such as including stem cell therapy in the Nigerian National Health Insurance plan, reflect ongoing efforts to enhance care and support for autistic individuals in Nigeria.

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