Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given a N200 million support package for autism advocacy and caregiver development.
The governor announced a donation of N100 million to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation and another N100 million to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement on Thursday at an event held to mark the World Autism Awareness Day at the Lagos House, Marina.
The event was also used to celebrate a teenage autism advocate and world record holder, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who arrived Lagos after a long-distance cycling advocacy journey that began in Enugu on March 14.
He said the funds would serve as a first-level support to strengthen autism advocacy, expand access to care and train more professional caregivers for children with special needs.
“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,” he said.
The governor said Kanyeyachukwu’s feat had gone beyond setting a record, but a powerful message of hope, resilience and inclusion for persons on the autism spectrum.
He said Kanyeyachukwu had demonstrated that every child, irrespective of condition, carried immense value, talent and potential waiting to be nurtured and celebrated.
Sanwo-Olu said the young advocate had turned awareness into action by using his journey to spotlight autism and inspire families across the country.
“He has shown us that every child on the autism spectrum carries within them something extraordinary, something waiting to be seen, waiting to be supported and waiting to be celebrated.
“Today, we are not just receiving a record holder, we are receiving a young Nigerian of rare courage, great strength and remarkable determination.
“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.
The governor praised Kanyeyachukwu’s parents, grandparents and extended family for their sacrifices and unwavering support.
He added that the success story reflected the strength of a committed family structure behind a child with special needs.
He particularly commended the young advocate’s mother for her passion, sacrifice and steadfast belief in her son.
According to him, awareness remains the most critical tool in helping society better understand autism and provide the needed care, support and encouragement for children living with the condition.
Sanwo-Olu also lauded the Kanyeyachukwu Artville Foundation for transforming a personal story into what he called a national movement for autism advocacy.
He said the foundation’s efforts had helped bring together coaches, medical professionals, safety officials, government institutions and partners in support of the cause.
He said the funds would serve as a first-level support to strengthen autism advocacy, expand access to care and train more professional caregivers for children with special needs.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said Kanyeyachukwu’s journey was a bold and inspiring initiative that had grown into a movement for social impact.
Ogunlende said the journey, which began officially in Enugu on March 14, was embraced by Lagos, following the support of the governor.
He thanked Sanwo-Olu for providing the platform and support needed to amplify the advocacy campaign in the state.
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the agency remained committed to protecting the rights and interests of persons with disabilities in Lagos State.
Oyetunde-Lawal said LASODA, established about 15 years ago, had continued to champion policies and programmes aimed at ensuring that persons with disabilities were not excluded from opportunities in education, healthcare and social support.
She also acknowledged the support of Sanwo-Olu’ s wife, saying her consistent interest in the welfare of vulnerable groups had encouraged many families.
In his remarks, Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Mr Tagbo-Okeke, thanked the Lagos State Government for receiving the team and supporting the advocacy journey.
He said the cycling trip, which passed through several states before arriving in Lagos, was completed without any accident or major incident, despite initial concerns over the rigours on the road.
Tagbo-Okeke said the family chose Lagos as the final destination because of the state’s reputation for excellence, innovation and inclusive leadership.
He also commended Sanwo-Olu for fostering a youth-friendly administration and for backing initiatives that uplift vulnerable members of the society.
“We came all the way to Lagos because we believe this is truly the Centre of Excellence.
“We did not record a single accident or mishap throughout our journey, and we give God the glory for that.
“Lagos stands out because of the quality of leadership and the commitment of this administration to young people and to causes that matter,” he said.
He said the journey was supported by officials, athletes, prayer groups, development partners and well-wishers across the country, adding that the family is deeply grateful for the solidarity.
Ashenews reports that the event drew government officials, disability advocates, family members, development partners and supporters of autism inclusion.
Kanyeyachukwu was celebrated for using endurance cycling as a platform to deepen autism awareness, inspire caregivers and advocate broader social support for children with special needs.
