SANWO-OLU PLEDGES N200M AS AUTISTIC TEEN BREAKS WORLD CYCLING RECORD
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday announced a N200 million support package to promote autism advocacy and caregiver development, as 16-year-old autistic cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke set a new Guinness World Record.
The announcement was made at Lagos House, Marina, during an event marking World Autism Awareness Day 2026.
Kanyeyachukwu was honoured for completing a long-distance cycling journey that started in Enugu on March 14.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that N100 million would be allocated to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, while the remaining N100 million would fund the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation.
“I will allocate N100 million to all autism-focused organisations under LASODA, with an additional N100 million from the Lagos State Government going to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation. This initiative is not just about one child; it is about using this platform to impact many others who lack similar opportunities,” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said.
He added, “We must train and develop skilled caregivers equipped to support children with special needs. Once we do that, half the challenge is already addressed.”
The governor described the funds as initial support aimed at strengthening advocacy, expanding access to care, and providing professional training for caregivers.
At the event, a Guinness World Records representative officially recognized Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles, adding to his previous record for creating the largest painting on canvas, unveiled last year in Abuja.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the teenager for reshaping perceptions of autism. “Your advocacy has helped many people see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of expressing and contributing to our world,” he said.
Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Tagbo Okeke, noted that the cycling journey spanned multiple states over 15 to 16 days without any incidents. He expressed gratitude to the government and other supporters for their guidance and safety measures.
LASODA General Manager Adenike Oyetunde emphasized that the event underscored Lagos State’s commitment to inclusivity and improving the lives of people with autism. “Impossibility is truly a myth. Our core responsibility is to protect the interests and needs of persons with disabilities. We strive to make Lagos State fully inclusive, ensuring that the lives of people with autism are optimised,” she said.
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