The Lagos State Government on Wednesday received a 16-year-old autistic cyclist, Tagbo-Okeke Kanyeyachukwu, who arrived in the state as part of an endurance ride from Enugu aimed at raising awareness about autism.
Kanyeyachukwu, accompanied by his parents, members of the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Foundation, cycling officials and a medical support team, was welcomed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende.
Ogunlende praised the teenager’s courage and commended his parents for their commitment, describing the visit as a reflection of the state government’s dedication to inclusion.
He added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would formally receive the team at the State House on Thursday.
The visit is part of the “Ride with Kanye” campaign, organised to coincide with the annual World Autism Awareness Day observed on April 2.
“There is ability in disability, and young people are very important to any development, to any country. We will continue to showcase this through avenues like this,” the commissioner said.
Speaking, the cyclist’s father, Tagbo Okeke, said the initiative was designed to spark conversations on autism across communities visited during the ride.
“Every city we get to, we engage with students, teachers, religious leaders and government officials to spread awareness that autism is not a disease but a condition that needs to be managed,” he said.
He stressed the need for greater inclusion of persons with autism in society, noting that access to proper care remains a major challenge due to high costs.
Okeke also disclosed that his son holds a Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas, unveiled in Abuja last year.
Culled from Punch Newspapers
