Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has committed ₦200 million toward autism advocacy and caregiver development in Lagos, coinciding with activities marking the 2026 World Autism Awareness Day.
The announcement was made on Thursday at Lagos House, Marina, during a ceremony honouring 16-year-old autistic cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke for achieving a remarkable milestone.
The teenager gained global recognition after completing a 100-mile cycling journey that began in Enugu State on March 14. The feat has been officially verified by Guinness World Records, making him the youngest individual to accomplish the distance.
Sanwo-Olu explained that half of the pledged funds will be disbursed through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs to support autism-focused initiatives, while the remaining ₦100 million will go to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation to expand its outreach and advocacy work.
According to the governor, the initiative goes beyond celebrating a single achievement and is aimed at creating broader opportunities for individuals living with autism.
He emphasised the importance of building a strong base of trained caregivers, noting that equipping professionals with the right skills is key to improving the quality of care for children with special needs.
Sanwo-Olu described the intervention as a starting point for long-term investment in awareness, access to care, and the development of structured support systems for people on the autism spectrum.
He also praised Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement, stating that it challenges stereotypes and highlights the potential of individuals with autism.
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The cyclist’s father, Tagbo Okeke, disclosed that the journey lasted between 15 and 16 days and covered several states without any major setbacks. He expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and other supporters for ensuring the success and safety of the effort.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting inclusion and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
She noted that the achievement underscores the need to challenge limiting beliefs and continue advocating for equal opportunities.
The event not only celebrated an extraordinary personal accomplishment but also reinforced the urgency of sustained investment in awareness, advocacy, and structured support systems for people living with autism in Nigeria.
