Sixteen-year-old non-verbal autistic teenager, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, has achieved his second Guinness World Records title, emerging as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles (160.9 km).
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, praised the teenager’s extraordinary accomplishment, describing it as a powerful example of “ability in disability.”
Kanyeyachukwu embarked on the endurance ride from Enugu State on March 14, 2026, traversing seven states before arriving in Lagos on April 2, 2026, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day.
The journey was dedicated to raising awareness about autism and promoting inclusion.
This milestone follows his first world record in 2025 for creating the largest painting on canvas by an individual, unveiled in Abuja.
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With two global records to his name, Kanyeyachukwu is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most inspiring young figures.
Commending his resilience and creativity, Musawa said the teenager’s journey “crosses geography and expectation,” noting that his achievements highlight the importance of inclusivity within Nigeria’s creative economy.
The minister also revealed plans by the ministry to support national exhibitions of his artwork and youth-focused programmes that combine creativity with advocacy, particularly in autism awareness.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was applauded for hosting the young achiever in Lagos and pledging ₦200 million towards autism advocacy and the Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke Foundation.
The ministry further announced plans to host Kanyeyachukwu in Abuja for a youth creativity forum aimed at promoting non-verbal expression, storytelling through endurance, and community participation in the arts and tourism sectors.
Beyond his records, Kanyeyachukwu continues to champion inclusion, advocate for supportive government policies, and raise funds to train 1,000 caregivers, reinforcing his mission to break stigma and empower families living with autism.
