From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The State House in Abuja was aglow with pride and celebration Monday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed Guinness World Record holder Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke and his family to her office.
Kanyeyachukwu, whose record-breaking feat was achieved by creating the largest painting on canvas by an individual (measuring an astonishing 12,303 square meters), was honoured with a cheque of N25 million by the First Lady during the special visit.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries including Nneka Anibeze, SA Media to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; Mr. Tagbo Okeke and Mrs. Silvia Tagbo-Okeke (the artist’s parents); Dr. Muktar Mohammed, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry; and Ugochi Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy.
During the ceremony, Kanyeyachukwu presented one of his celebrated works to the First Lady, who expressed her admiration for his extraordinary talent and dedication. The gathering witnessed the young artist formally present his Guinness World Record certificate, marking a historic moment for Nigeria’s creative industry.
Mrs. Tinubu commended Kanyeyachukwu for his perseverance and for putting Nigeria on the global map, stating that his achievement is an inspiration to young Nigerians everywhere. The First Lady also recognized the support of the artist’s parents and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in nurturing his talent.
The event concluded with photo opportunities, capturing the proud moments shared by the First Lady, the Tagbo-Okeke family, and key officials who celebrated the young record holder’s remarkable journey.