Persons with special needs have been encouraged not to give up but to push ahead just like Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, the artist and cyclist who defied all odds to make it into the Guiness Book of World record for the largest painting and was now riding to create awareness about autism.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the motivation came from the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Thursday, during an audience with students, parents, government officials, cycling coaches and other dignitaries at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, at an event to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu’s achievements who was riding from Enugu to Lagos.
Afegbua assured parents and guardians of autistic children of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s passion for the well-being of autistic children and would not allow any form of discrimination against them.
The commissioner said Governor Okpebholo was committed to, and is passionate about the welfare of autistic children, stating that his administration was doing everything to ensure they live a better life and overcome challenges associated with the neuro-disorder.
He noted that the story of Kanyeyachukwu was one of determination and achievement, adding that Kanyeyachukwu carries the Edo spirit which believes in achieving anything they set out to achieve.
“Autism is a Neuro developmental behaviour. It’s a disorder that has to do with the brain. This young man has already made the Guinness book of World record with the largest painting and is now riding to create awareness about autism.
“Don’t give up no matter the situation you find yourself in; rather, keep pushing as Kanyeyachukwu has done and today we are celebrating him for his achievements so far.
“The ride from Enugu to Edo State and heading to Lagos is a great achievement. Asaba to Benin City took him seven hours to achieve. This is a product of determination, showing great energy!”.
Prince Afegbua appreciated and congratulated fellow cyclists riding with Kanyeyachukwu to create awareness about autism, including the coaches. “This awareness is important to create avenue for other autistic children to achieve success and greatness in life no matter the challenges.
“I appreciate his parents for not giving up on their son with special needs as they have nurtured him to enter the Guinness book of records. It’s not easy to nurture children with special needs”.
The Commissioner appreciated Governor Okpebholo for his developmental strides in the education sector, claiming he had improved the physical environment which he noted is now very conducive and secured for learning.
“Schools across the state have been transformed, not like what was obtainable in the past administration. In one and a half years, 73 schools across the state have been built, renovated rehabilitated and remodelled. These schools have all been well furnished”.
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, congratulated Kanyeyachukwu for these achievements especially in creating awareness on autism and the need for collaboration to overcome the challenges.
Emphasising that autistic people see the world differently, Oshiomhole posited that they are not cursed or demonic but are special children who need special care.
“This event is organised to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement and also a forum to create awareness, enlightenment and educating children, parents, students and the public about autism.
“We must continue to sensitise ourselves and also enlighten ourselves on the need to take care of autistic children as they have talent to be developed in them like Kanyeyachukwu who have put Edo State on a global map following his achievements.
“Autistic children are special children with special talents that need to be tapped. Edo State is committed to ensure that autistic children are under the care of the state government”.
Father of the autistic artist and cyclist said they were riding from Enugu -Anambra-Delta-Edo-Ondo-Ogun to Lagos, noting that the ride was to create awareness for autism.
He said they were backed on the journey by the top management of the cycling Federation of Nigeria with 22 international cyclists are riding with them.
“Wherever we stop, we carry out diagnostics investigation on children to know if they have the disorder. On this journey, we have top medical personnel. We are doing this to contribute our quota to create awareness on autism as the Edo State government cannot do it alone.
“Autism is not a disease but a disorder and the public must understand that these children have learning and communication problems, but don’t laugh at them but support them. We celebrate Governor Monday Okpebholo for he understands autism”.
The Hall of Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub was filled to capacity with students from various schools across the state who converged to receive and celebrate Kanyeyachukwu stop-over in Edo State en route to Lagos.