N’Assembly hosts art exhibition featuring autistic Guinness World Record holder Kanye

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. CREDIT: National Assembly/X

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The National Assembly has pledged to take urgent steps to tackle the stigma faced by children living with autism across the country.

To drive this effort, the parliament on Tuesday hosted a special art exhibition at the National Assembly Library, aimed at raising awareness about autism, promoting inclusion, and highlighting the need for stronger national policies to support affected families.

Autism is a developmental condition characterised by challenges with social communication—such as delayed speech, difficulty with back-and-forth conversations—and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Its causes are linked to environmental, biological, or genetic factors.

At the exhibition, attendees viewed the works of Kanye, a young autistic artist who recently earned a Guinness World Record for creating the largest painting on canvas. His pieces drew admiration from lawmakers, advocates, and other guests.

Maria Okafor, Founder of the RBM Autism Foundation, described the event as a rare platform for the creative expression of children living with autism. She emphasised that alternative forms of communication are critical for many children on the spectrum.

“This kind of storytelling through art is extremely important. Many children with autism are non-verbal, yet they can communicate through creativity. Kanye is a perfect example. His parents nurtured his artistic talent, and today he holds a Guinness World Record,” she said.

Okafor also called for a government-led national awareness campaign, noting that many parents remain hesitant to seek help due to fear of stigma. She urged authorities to promote inclusive initiatives that encourage understanding and acceptance nationwide.

A senior official at the National Assembly Library, Henry Nwauba, described the institution as a hub for engagement and dialogue on issues affecting vulnerable groups.

“Today’s event is more than an exhibition; it is an opportunity to bring attention to the challenges surrounding autism. Inclusion is part of the legislative agenda of both chambers of the National Assembly. While a specific autism bill may not yet exist, any policy that strengthens inclusion is one we support,” he said.

Nwauba added that the conversations sparked by the exhibition could help shape future legislative proposals, and he appealed for greater patience, understanding, and emotional support for autistic children and their caregivers.

Kanye’s father, Mr Tu Okeke, said the exhibition forms part of his family’s efforts to use his son’s artistic talent as a tool for autism advocacy. He explained that Kanye began painting at the age of five, and that art has since become a powerful platform for social impact.

“In partnership with the National Assembly Library, we decided to host this exhibition to foster dialogue around autism, special needs, and the type of legislation families urgently require,” he said.

He noted that many children need therapy and specialised interventions, yet access remains limited due to high costs. He stressed the need for laws that guarantee access to education, employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, and therapy for people living with autism and other neurological conditions.

According to him, autism is receiving growing recognition across Nigeria, including in underserved communities where awareness remains low, and stigma is widespread.

“This exhibition is not only about showcasing Kanye’s art. It is about generating dialogue and practical solutions. Any recommendations arising from today’s discussions will be submitted to the National Assembly,” he assured.

Autism awareness in Nigeria has grown significantly over the past decade, yet the country still faces major gaps in diagnosis, support services, and public understanding.

While there is no official nationwide prevalence study, estimates from health experts and advocacy groups suggest that autism affects thousands of children across the country.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 1 in 100 children globally is on the autism spectrum, and clinicians in Nigeria believe the national situation mirrors global trends.

Limited diagnostic facilities, high costs of therapy, and widespread misconceptions continue to hinder early detection and intervention.

In many communities, children with autism are mislabelled as stubborn, poorly raised, or afflicted by spiritual problems—factors that contribute to stigma and delay in seeking help.

Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for coordinated government policies, improved training for healthcare workers and educators, and inclusion-focused legislation to ensure access to essential services.

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The PUNCH

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