President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo–Okeke, the autistic Nigerian teenager who recently earned a place in the Guinness World Records.
“You are brave, audacious, and tenacious. Congratulations on your recognition. Your story has made history, and Nigeria is proud of you,” president Tinubu stated.
Kanyeyachukwu achieved the record for creating the largest painting on canvas by an individual. He painted the artwork, titled Impossibility is a Myth, to raise awareness about autism and mental health.
On November 24, 2024, he broke the previous record of 9,632 square metres by painting across an astonishing 12,303.87 square metres.
Organizers unveiled the massive painting at Eagle Square in Abuja on April 2, 2025, in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day. The event drew a large and emotional crowd, including government officials, artists, and supporters, all united in celebration of Kanyeyachukwu’s remarkable feat.
Notable attendees included Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Director-General of the National Art Gallery Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, Peter Obi, Dbanj, and artist Fola David.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the painting as more than just a record-breaking achievement. He called it a masterpiece that shattered barriers and emphasized the significance of disability inclusion in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He reminded the audience that the 2030 agenda seeks to leave no one behind—especially young people like Kanyeyachukwu—by ensuring equal access to education, opportunities, and employment.
