The Federal Government has pledged to collaborate with key stakeholders in reviewing the Nigerian Child Rights Act to strengthen regulatory frameworks that will attract investment and provide the infrastructure needed to unlock opportunities for children.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, made this known at the Exhibition of the Guinness World Record Artwork organised by the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Society in partnership with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and Eko Atlantic City.
Represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the First Lady commended the resilience and creativity of the Nigerian child, describing the exhibition as a celebration of talent, inclusion, and innovation.
She praised 14-year-old Kanyeyachukwu (Kanye) Tagbo-Okeke for painting the world’s largest art canvas, which earned him a Guinness World Record.
“Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement is proof that impossibility is a myth. With autism, he has shown that our differences are not limitations but sources of unique strength, creativity, and purpose,” Tinubu said.
She noted that the 23-year-old Child Rights Act is undergoing review under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that the government looks forward to partnering with stakeholders to build stronger systems for protecting Nigerian children.
Tinubu lauded the young artist’s courage, describing his work as a testament to Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy and the nation’s commitment to nurturing creativity.
“This exhibition is a bold statement of Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, technological innovation, and environmental consciousness. It reflects President Tinubu’s vision of harnessing the limitless potential of our young people to shape the nation’s future,” she added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hanatu Musawa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy through the creative sector.
She disclosed that new policies on intellectual property, incentives, and tourism are being developed to attract investment.
According to her, the recently established Creative and Tourism Corporation (CITICO) will serve as a special-purpose vehicle to mobilize infrastructure, while an endowment fund in collaboration with the Committee of Bankers will provide additional financing for the sector.
Musawa described Kanyeyachukwu as “a gift to humanity and a poster child for what creativity can achieve,” emphasizing the importance of art therapy in supporting individuals with disabilities.
“Kanye’s accomplishment not only elevates Nigeria’s global profile but also inspires families dealing with similar challenges,” she said.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, commended the teenager’s achievement as a symbol of hope and inclusion.
“Your record is a beacon of inspiration to over 22 million Lagosians. You have reminded us that possibility is within reach,” he stated.
Grand Patron of the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Society, Chuck Nduka-Eze, expressed concern over the shortage of trained professionals to support autistic individuals in Nigeria.
He revealed that his foundation is working to train nurses and medical staff in autism care and raise funds to support families providing round-the-clock care.
