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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Federal Government has commended the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Society and disability inclusion advocates for sustaining national conversations around mental health, disability rights and social welfare through art.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, also said their work aligns with ongoing government reforms in the sector while declaring open ‘Myth – An Exhibition for Inclusion, organised by the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Society’ at the National Assembly Library on Tuesday.
Salako, who praised the quality of works on display, particularly those by autistic art prodigy and Guinness World Record holder, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke, said they demonstrate how art can shift perceptions from disability to talent.
He assured that the Federal Government is committed to reforming Nigeria’s health and social welfare systems to ensure that neurodiverse citizens, including people living with autism, are fully integrated into national development.
“Every Nigerian deserves the chance to contribute meaningfully. As we expand inclusion in our health and social systems, creative arts will remain a vital pathway for empowerment and community integration,” he said.
“The Federal Government is committed to building health and social systems that no longer leave neurodiverse Nigerians behind.
“Artistic expression has emerged as a powerful force for dismantling stigma, inspiring empathy and revealing the extraordinary abilities within individuals living with autism.”
Hosted within the National Assembly Library to enable direct engagement with federal lawmakers, the exhibition featured Kanyeyachukwu’s globally celebrated pieces, including the artwork that earned him a 2024 Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas.
Curator and President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Muhammad Sulaiman, said the showcasewas curated to challenge outdated myths about disability and spotlight the richness of neurodivergent creativity.
“In art, there is no disability, only abilities,” Sulaiman said. “Kanyeyachukwu’s colours speak volumes. His works show that impossibility is indeed a myth.”
Officials of the National Assembly Library said the exhibition aligns with the legislature’s inclusion agenda, adding that policy recommendations from the event will be transmitted to lawmakers for consideration.
Speaking at the event, Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Tagbo Okeke, stressed that the exhibition aims not only to celebrate talent but also to draw attention to the urgent need for legislation supporting autistic children and adults in Nigeria.
“There are thousands of children who need therapy and interventions their parents cannot afford,” he said. “We need laws that guarantee access to education, employment and affordable care for neurodiverse Nigerians. We also need to confront stigma with national awareness.”
He added that resolutions from the exhibition’s policy dialogue session would be formally submitted to the National Assembly.
Founder of Ria by Maria Autism Foundation, Maria Okafor, called for government-led awareness campaigns, noting that many families still grapple with denial and stigma.
“Parents must understand that communication isn’t only verbal,” she said. “Art, music and creative expression are legitimate forms of communication for autistic children. Government involvement will give families the confidence to seek help.”
