In a remarkable achievement raising global awareness about autism, 15-year-old Nigerian artist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke has earned a Guinness World Record for creating the largest art canvas in the world. The massive artwork spans 12,304 square meters, far exceeding the size of a football field and surpassing the previous record of 9,652 square meters set by 42-year-old Emad Salehi.
Completed in November 2024, the canvas features a vibrant multicolored ribbon — the universal symbol for autism — encircled by expressive emojis. It was officially unveiled and recognized in April 2025 in Abuja during World Autism Acceptance Day.
Diagnosed with autism, Kanyeyachukwu has faced numerous social and developmental hurdles. Born in Canada and raised in Nigeria, his journey has not been easy, but his family’s unwavering support helped him nurture his artistic talent.
His record-breaking feat, under the campaign “Impossibility is a myth,” has drawn national admiration. Nigeria’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa, called it a “beacon of hope,” while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the teen for being “Brave, Audacious, and Tenacious.”
In addition to raising awareness, the project supports the Zeebah Foundation, a nonprofit assisting autistic individuals and their families. The initiative aims to spotlight the lack of data and resources surrounding autism in Nigeria, where diagnosis often occurs late due to stigma and limited services.
Kanyeyachukwu’s quiet pride said it all: “I felt fine. Happy. Just fine.”
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