The much awaited unveiling of the Guinness World Record for the largest artwork by an individual took place in Abuja with the 15-year- old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke receiving a GWR certificate for his record breaking 12,303.87 square metres artwork.
The artwork with the theme: “impossibility is a myth” is meant to create autism and mental health awareness.
The occasion attracted the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, the Director General, National Art Gallery, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi among many dignitaries including artists and other well-wishers who thronged the popular Eagle Square to cheer the young autistic prodigy.
Kanyeyachukwu on November 24, 2024 broken the Guinness world record for the largest canvas painting, when he painted on 12,303.87 square metres canvas to dust the previous record of 9,632 square metres.
Musawa and Musa promised to support talents with the aim of harnessing them for the development of the nation.
Musawa said the feat is proof that with the right opportunity and guidance, our young people can achieve the unimaginable.
The Minister said: “ We are here to honor fifteen (15) year old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy if I may say, who has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work. By breaking this world record, Kanyeyachukwu has not only set a new record but has also demonstrated to us all that age is no barrier to greatness.”
Musa described the feat as further attestation of the renewed hope and resilience of the Nigerian people.
Musa, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, noted that Kanye’s success is a pointer on the need to prioritise talents, discovering and making concerted efforts to support gifted individuals with appropriate platforms that will showcase and elevate them to limelight.
“Kanye’s journey is a compelling narrative of determination, creativity, and perseverance. Despite the challenges associated with autism, he has defied limitations and redefined the artistic world,” he stated.
The Guinness World Record Ajudicator, Mr. Glenn Pollard, said: “Your paint on the canvass of 12,303.87 m² and smashed all records in November last year.
“This is your certificate Kanye, for this your fantastic record, on behalf of the Guinness World Records, I will say you were exceptionally amazing and well done for your achievement.”
UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the art piece as an extraordinary masterpiece, one that not only breaks records but also breaks barriers.
He noted that disability inclusion is central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the 2030 agenda for sustainable development calls for leaving no one behind, and this includes ensuring that persons with disabilities, like Kanye, have equal access to opportunities, education and employment.
Falls, who was represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, observed that true progress can only be achieved when societies embrace diversity and create environments where every child, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully and reach their full potential.
