On a canvas as vast as a football field, the Nigerian teen’s artwork showcases a vibrant multihued ribbon, which serves as the emblem for autism. This endeavor to set a global record through painting seeks to heighten consciousness about this condition.
To try and increase
awareness of autism
And in response to the difficulties encountered by individuals with autism, a 15-year-old from Nigeria has achieved a Guinness World Record for creating the largest art canvas ever.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who is autistic, created a work of art with a multicolored ribbon — a symbol of
autism
– enclosed within “emoji” art pieces on a surface area spanning 12,304 square meters, significantly bigger than the usual football field’s dimensions of 7,140 square meters.
The piece of art was crafted in November 2024. It made its debut and received official acknowledgment from the Guinness World Records representatives in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, coinciding with the celebration of World Autism Acceptance Day in April.
“I felt great. Simply wonderful,” Tagbo-Okeke shared with the Associated Press. His artwork surpassed the former world record held by Emad Salehi, who was almost three times his age—42 years old—at the time he created a piece on a 9,652-square-meter canvas.
Tagbo-Okeke was born in Canada prior to relocating to Nigeria, where he faced numerous challenges during his upbringing, according to his family. In Nigeria, many individuals with autism encounter discrimination and inadequate facilities, yet Tagbo-Okeke’s family was committed to providing him with the optimal assistance possible.
Nigerians celebrate the record
The ambitious endeavor of the budding artist, supported by the slogan “Impossibility is but a fable,” garnered significant acclaim within Nigeria.
Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts and Culture, stated that Tagbo-Okeke’s art serves as “a symbol of hope and inspiration” for individuals with autism.
Nigerian President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
also congratulated a teenager.
“Brave, daring, and persistent—you embody these qualities. Congratulations on this achievement. Your journey has etched itself into our nation’s annals, and we, Nigerians, take pride in your accomplishments, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke,” he posted on X.
Kanyeyachukwu’s initiative was also aimed at raising funds for the Zeebah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for people with autism and their families.
In Nigeria, as in many other countries, autism is often diagnosed later in life and there is no official data in the country. However, according to the World Health Organization, approximately one in 100 children worldwide is autistic.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
Author: Dmytro Hubenko (with AP, LUSA)