In the heart of Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja, an extraordinary achievement unfolded in November 2024 that would captivate the world. Fifteen-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young artist living with autism, shattered the Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas ever created.
When unveiled during World Autism Acceptance Day celebrations in April 2025, Kanyeyachukwu’s massive creation stretched an astonishing 12,304 square metres—significantly larger than a standard football field (7,140 square meters). The colourful masterpiece featured a multi-coloured ribbon, the universal symbol for autism awareness, surrounded by expressive emojis, creating a vibrant testament to neurodiversity.
“I felt fine. Happy. Just fine,” said the teenage artist, whose autism affects his verbal communication but clearly hasn’t limited his artistic vision or determination.
His achievement dethroned the previous record holder, 42-year-old Emad Salehi, whose canvas measured 9,652 square meters—making Kanyeyachukwu’s accomplishment all the more remarkable given the 27-year age difference between the two record holders.
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A Journey Across Continents
Born in Canada before relocating to Nigeria, Kanyeyachukwu’s path has been marked by significant challenges. His father described the family’s experience with raw honesty: “Not being able to communicate with your son or have regular activities you could have with any other child is quite depressing.”
The family faced additional hurdles in Nigeria, where autism awareness and resources remain limited. Kanyeyachukwu’s diagnosis came only after years of unsuccessful attempts in Nigeria—it was in Canada where they finally received the confirmation that opened doors to appropriate support and intervention strategies.
His talent for drawing emerged when he was just four years old, a creative spark his parents nurtured despite the obstacles they faced. Through dedicated parental support and early intervention, Kanyeyachukwu developed both his exceptional artistic abilities and important life skills.
“We’ve done a lot of work with him,” his father explained. “Kanye can tidy his room, he can wash his clothes—all of this is because of early intervention. If left alone, he definitely would not be able to do these things.”
Autism in Nigeria: A Hidden Crisis
The young artist’s record-breaking achievement comes against a backdrop of significant challenges for those with autism in Nigeria. While the World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism spectrum disorder, Nigeria lacks comprehensive data on prevalence rates within the country.
Many families face limited access to diagnostic services, with autism often going unrecognised until later years. This diagnostic delay, coupled with widespread stigma and minimal government support, creates substantial barriers for autistic individuals and their families.
Stanley Effah, founder of the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation and father to an autistic child, highlighted these challenges while advocating for improved support systems, including adding stem cell therapy to Nigeria’s National Health Insurance plan.
“Impossibility is a Myth”
Kanyeyachukwu’s world record attempt was accompanied by a powerful campaign slogan: “Impossibility is a Myth.” This message resonated deeply with Nigerians, who celebrated not only the artistic achievement but also the triumph of human potential over perceived limitations.
“We felt an overwhelming sense of relief and pride, knowing the countless hours and months of effort he poured into breaking the record,” his mother Silvia shared, reflecting on the moment they received official confirmation from Guinness World Records.
Nigeria’s art and culture minister Hannatu Musawa praised the teenager’s artwork as “a beacon of hope and inspiration” for people with autism, adding: “We recognise the unique abilities and potential of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industries.”
A Nation of Record Breakers
Kanyeyachukwu joins a growing list of young Nigerians making their mark on the world stage through record-breaking achievements. In the past three years alone, at least seven Nigerians have entered the Guinness World Records, including Hilda Baci for the longest cooking marathon and Tunde Onakoya for the longest chess marathon.
This national trend reflects a broader cultural movement embracing extraordinary challenges as pathways to recognition and inspiration.
Creating Lasting Change
Beyond personal achievement, Kanyeyachukwu’s record attempt served a larger purpose: raising funds for the Zeebah Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and their families in Nigeria.
His mother emphasised that government support is crucial for ensuring early intervention, which can dramatically improve outcomes for those on the autism spectrum. Kanyeyachukwu’s own progress stands as living proof of how appropriate support can unlock hidden potential.
As his vibrant, record-breaking canvas continues to draw attention to autism awareness, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke has transformed his personal challenges into a powerful platform for change—proving that with the right support, perceived limitations can give way to extraordinary achievements.
In his carefully crafted emojis and the bold, colourful ribbon stretching across thousands of square meters, this teenage artist has created more than just the world’s largest canvas. He has painted a new narrative of possibility for autistic youth in Nigeria and beyond.
