Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced a N200 million support package for autism advocacy and caregiver development, as a 16-year-old autistic cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, set a new Guinness World Record.
The announcement was made on Thursday at Lagos House in Marina during an event to mark World Autism Awareness Day 2026. The occasion brought together government officials, disability advocates, families, and members of the public to celebrate achievements and raise awareness about autism.
Kanyeyachukwu was honoured at the event for completing a long-distance cycling journey that began in Enugu on March 14. His effort has now earned him recognition as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles, according to Guinness World Records representatives who attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the financial support would be used to improve advocacy, expand access to care, and develop trained caregivers for people living with autism.
According to the governor, N100 million will be allocated to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, while the remaining N100 million will go to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation.
“I will give N100 million to all autism-focused groups under LASODA and an additional N100 million from the Lagos State Government to the foundation,” the governor said. “This is not just about one child. It is about using this platform to touch many others who do not have the same opportunity.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of training professional caregivers, noting that this is a key step in addressing many of the challenges faced by families raising children with special needs.
“We must train and develop real caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to support our children with special needs. Once we do that, half of the problem is solved,” he added.
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental condition that affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction. People with autism may experience the world differently, and their needs often vary widely. Experts say early support, proper education, and trained caregivers can significantly improve outcomes.
In Nigeria, awareness about autism has grown in recent years, but many families still face challenges such as limited access to specialised care, high costs of therapy, and social stigma. Advocacy groups have continued to call for more government support and inclusive policies.
The Lagos State Government, through LASODA, has been working to promote inclusion and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Initiatives include public awareness campaigns, support services, and efforts to improve access to education and healthcare.
At the event, the General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde, said the celebration was a reminder of the state’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Impossibility is truly a myth,” she said. “Our core responsibility is to protect the interests and needs of persons with disabilities. We strive to ensure Lagos State is truly inclusive, and our goal is to ensure that the lives of people with autism are optimised.”
Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement has drawn widespread attention not only because of the record itself but also because of what it represents. His journey challenges common misconceptions about autism and shows that individuals with the condition can achieve remarkable feats when given the right support.
According to his father, Tagbo Okeke, the cycling journey covered several states and lasted between 15 and 16 days. He said the trip was completed without incident, thanks to proper planning and support from various stakeholders.
“We are grateful for the guidance and safety measures that made this journey possible,” he said, thanking the Lagos State Government and others who contributed to the success of the project.
This is not Kanyeyachukwu’s first major achievement. In 2025, he set another Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas, which was unveiled in Abuja. That accomplishment also brought attention to autism and helped promote conversations about inclusion and acceptance.
Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, praised the teenager for changing public perception of autism. He said Kanyeyachukwu’s story is a powerful example of courage and determination.
“Your advocacy has helped many people to see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of expressing and contributing to our world,” the governor said.
The governor also described the N200 million support package as an initial step, indicating that more efforts would be made to strengthen the system of care for persons with disabilities in Lagos State.
By focusing on caregiver development, the government hopes to build a network of trained professionals who can offer better support in homes, schools, and healthcare settings.
Advocates also stress the need for inclusive education, where children with autism can learn alongside their peers in supportive environments. While some progress has been made, gaps still exist in infrastructure, teacher training, and public awareness.
Events like World Autism Awareness Day play a key role in addressing these gaps. They provide a platform for sharing experiences, celebrating achievements, and calling for action.
For many families, the recognition of Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement is a moment of hope. It shows that challenges associated with autism can be overcome with support, understanding, and determination.
As Lagos State moves forward with its plans, stakeholders say continued collaboration between government, private organisations, and communities will be essential. They also emphasise the importance of sustained funding and policy implementation.
For now, the focus remains on building on the momentum created by the event. With increased awareness and investment, many hope that more children with autism will have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Kanyeyachukwu’s journey, both on the road and in life, stands as a symbol of what is possible. His achievement is not just a personal victory but also a reminder that with the right support, individuals with autism can break barriers and inspire change across society.