Sanwo-Olu backs autism advocacy with ₦200m boost
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commemorated World Autism Awareness Day with ₦200 million donation to support autism advocacy and caregiver development in the state.
The governor announced the funding while receiving teenage autism advocate and Guinness World Record holder, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, at Lagos House, Marina.
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*L-R: Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Father of the recipient, Mr Tagbo Okeke and his son and recipient of Guinness World Record Award, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, during the presentation of the Guinness World Record award to Kanyeyachukwu as the youngest individual to complete a cross-country Cycling journey, held at the Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Etim Ekpimah
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commemorated World Autism Awareness Day with ₦200 million donation to support autism advocacy and caregiver development in the state.
The governor announced the funding while receiving teenage autism advocate and Guinness World Record holder, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, at Lagos House, Marina.
Kanyeyachukwu completed a 687-kilometre endurance cycling journey from Enugu to Lagos between 17 March and 2 April. The 15-day advocacy ride, tagged #ImpossibilityIsAMyth, took him through Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ogun states before concluding in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that ₦100 million would be allocated to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, while an additional ₦100 million would go to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation.
He said the funds would serve as initial support to strengthen advocacy, expand access to care and train professional caregivers for children with special needs.
“This is not just about one child. It is about using this platform to reach many others who do not have the same opportunity.
“We must train and develop caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to support children with special needs. Once we achieve that, half the challenge is resolved,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu described Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement as more than a record, noting that it delivers a powerful message of hope, resilience and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum.
He added that the young advocate had demonstrated that every child, regardless of condition, possesses immense value and potential that should be nurtured and celebrated.
He said, “He has shown that every child on the autism spectrum carries something extraordinary, waiting to be discovered, supported and celebrated.
“Today, we are not just welcoming a record holder, but a young Nigerian of rare courage and determination whose advocacy is changing perceptions of autism.”
The governor also praised Kanyeyachukwu’s family for their unwavering support, particularly his mother, whose dedication he described as instrumental to his success.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the cycling journey had evolved into a powerful movement for social impact, while commending the state government for supporting the initiative.
The General Manager of Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive access to education, healthcare and social services.
In his remarks, Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Mr Tagbo-Okeke, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support and hospitality, noting that the journey was completed without incident.
The event attracted government officials, disability advocates, development partners and supporters of autism inclusion.
Kanyeyachukwu was widely celebrated for using endurance cycling as a platform to deepen autism awareness, inspire caregivers and advocate broader social support for children with special needs.
