Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to promote inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for persons living with autism as the world marks 2026 World Autism Awareness Day.

In her message to commemorate the day, yesterday, Tinubu affirmed the value and potential of people living with autism, saying: “Today, on World Autism Awareness Day 2026, themed “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” I join all Nigerians and the global community in affirming the dignity, worth, and limitless potential of every person living with autism.”

She, however, emphasised the importance of recognising autistic persons as vital members of society.

According to her, “people living with autism are an important part of our shared humanity. Their lives, voices, and contributions enrich our communities and strengthen our collective future.”

Tinubu, therefore, cautioned against misinformation and negative narratives about autism, calling for greater awareness and acceptance.

MEANWHILE, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has donated N200 million to support autism advocacy and inclusion, with N100 million earmarked for 20 autism athletes under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and another N100 million pledged to the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Foundation.

The governor made the donations, yesterday, while marking World Autism Day, where he also celebrated the achievements of a young Nigerian autism advocate and record-breaker, 16-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who was certified by Guinness World Record as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles for 117 days from Enugu to Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said the donation was aimed at encouraging autism athletes, who support the ministry daily, as well as strengthening institutional support for autism advocacy through the Foundation.

The governor also used the occasion to reflect on Tagbo-Okeke’s remarkable feat achieved on World Autism Awareness Day last year, noting that the teenager’s accomplishment sent a powerful global message.

According to him, Tagbo-Okeke’s journey transcends record-setting and represents a broader statement about the value and potential of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Sanwo-Olu said that Tagbo-Okeke’s achievement had increased awareness and acceptance of autism across Nigeria, with more families now willing to openly support and showcase children on the spectrum.

He emphasised that awareness remains a critical tool in addressing autism, stressing the need for continuous support, care and encouragement for affected individuals.

The governor, who also commended Tagbo-Okeke for transforming awareness into action, noting that his advocacy journey from Enugu to Lagos has inspired a national movement, lauded the support system behind the young advocate, particularly his mother, Silvia Tagbo-Okeke, describing her as the driving force behind his success.

He also acknowledged the Foundation’s role in expanding autism care and professional capacity, including training caregivers and promoting inclusive development.

Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that enhance awareness, build capacity and provide opportunities for individuals living with autism, reiterating that every life has value.

The father of the autistic advocate, Tagbo Okeke, expressed optimism over growing awareness and inclusion for persons living with autism, noting that societal attitudes in Nigeria are gradually changing for the better.

He commended Sanwo-Olu for prioritising autism awareness, noting that the governor’s commitment signals a shift toward stronger institutional support.

Okeke urged society to embrace inclusion and support systems that empower children with special needs to thrive.

The Isama Ajie of Asaba, Chuck Nduka-Eze, described the young record-breaker as a natural treasure, following his remarkable achievement of two Guinness World Records within a year.

Nduka-Eze noted that the feat is even more significant given that Kanyeyachukwu was born with autism, a condition often seen as limiting.

He said the achievement challenges parents of autistic children and Nigerians at large to aim higher.

He, therefore, urged support for Kanye’s initiative to train 1,000 autism caregivers as a first step toward broader inclusion and advocacy.