Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday announced a N200 million support package for autism advocacy and caregiver development, as 16-year-old autistic cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke added another Guinness World Record to his achievements.
The announcement was made at Lagos House, Marina, during an event marking World Autism Awareness Day 2026.
Kanyeyachukwu was celebrated for completing a long-distance cycling journey that began in Enugu on March 14.
Sanwo-Olu said N100m would go to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, while the remaining N100m would support the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation.
“I will give N100 million to all autism-focused groups under LASODA and an additional N100 million from the Lagos State Government to the foundation. This is not just about one child. It is about using this platform to touch many others who do not have the same opportunity.
“We must train and develop real caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to support our children with special needs. Once we do that, half of the problem is solved,” the governor added.
He described the funds as initial support to strengthen advocacy, expand care access and train professional caregivers.
During the event, a Guinness World Records representative certified Kanyeyachukwu as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles, adding to his record last year for the largest painting on canvas unveiled in Abuja.
Sanwo-Olu commended the teenager for changing perceptions of autism.
“Your advocacy has helped many people to see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of expressing and contributing to our world,” he said.
Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Tagbo Okeke, said the cycling journey passed through multiple states over 15 to 16 days without incident.
He thanked the government and other supporters for guidance and safety measures.
LASODA General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde, said the event highlighted the state’s commitment to inclusivity and improving the lives of people with autism.
“Impossibility is truly a myth. Our core responsibility is to protect the interests and needs of persons with disabilities. We strive to ensure Lagos State is truly inclusive, and our goal is to ensure that the lives of people with autism are optimised,” she said. (Punch)
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