News Highlights:
- Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke set a Guinness World Record by painting a 12,303.87-square-meter canvas, promoting autism and mental health awareness.
- Leaders and dignitaries praised his achievement, highlighting the power of talent, inclusivity, and the role of art in inspiring positive change.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old Nigerian artist, has received the Guinness World Record certificate for the largest artwork by an individual.
Digital TimesNG reports that on November 24, 2024, he painted a 12,303.87-square-meter canvas, surpassing the previous 9,632-square-meter record. His project promotes autism and mental health awareness.
At the certificate presentation, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, praised Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement, calling it proof that young Nigerians can achieve greatness with the right support.
“It is with great joy that I stand before you today, as we come together to celebrate an extraordinary achievement. Today, we are not only witnessing the breaking of a world record, but also the triumph of determination, perseverance, and the unrelenting spirit of the Nigerian youth.
“We are here to honour fifteen (15) year old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy if I may say, who has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work. By breaking this world record, Kanyeyachukwu has not only set a new record but has also demonstrated to us all that age is no barrier to greatness,” the minister said.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, highlighted the importance of nurturing talent, stating that such successes can inspire positive engagement and help address societal challenges.
“This is particularly important as Nigeria faces contemporary security threats that require both kinetic and non-kinetic measures. Today’s event offers us another dimension to tackling insecurity through non-kinetic means.
“By nurturing and showcasing talents, we can easily win the hearts and minds of people, encouraging them to embrace legitimate endeavours that project their image positively, rather than resorting to crime and acts of terror as a means to make their voices heard,” General Musa said.
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, emphasized that Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement breaks both records and barriers, reinforcing the need for inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
She said, “It is a moment of awareness day and thus we are witness to unveiling an extraordinary masterpiece, one that not only breaks records but also breaks barriers. Today we are celebrating Kanyeyachukwu, a young artist, whose talent and determination have captivated the world and is now inspiring children in Nigeria.
“His greatest world record achievement is not just a personal milestone but a very powerful testament to the limitless potential of what you can achieve with will. Helping and supporting people with disabilities helps so much the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals around the world.”
Other dignitaries, including the National Gallery of Art’s Director-General, Ahmed Sodangi, and Canadian High Commissioner James Christoff, lauded the impact of his work, stressing the power of art and the importance of inclusivity.