BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting children living with autism, declaring that no form of discrimination against them will be tolerated in the state.
The assurance was conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kassim Afegbua, during a reception held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in honour of autistic artist and cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who is on a long-distance awareness ride from Enugu to Lagos.
Addressing students, parents, government officials, cycling coaches and other dignitaries, Afegbua said that the governor remains deeply passionate about the welfare of autistic children and is committed to policies that will enable them to overcome the challenges associated with the neurodevelopmental condition.
He described Kanyeyachukwu’s journey as a powerful testament to resilience and determination, noting that the young cyclist embodies the Edo spirit of striving for excellence against all odds.
According to him, the athlete, who previously earned global recognition for producing one of the largest paintings, is once again breaking barriers by undertaking the endurance ride to raise awareness about autism.
Afegbua urged individuals facing challenges not to give up, but to persevere, drawing inspiration from Kanyeyachukwu’s achievements.
He highlighted the demanding nature of the journey, citing the seven-hour cycling stretch from Asaba to Benin City as evidence of remarkable endurance and strength.
The commissioner also commended the team of cyclists and coaches accompanying the rider, stressing that sustained advocacy is essential to open opportunities for other autistic children to realise their potential.
He particularly praised the parents of the cyclist for their dedication and perseverance in nurturing a child with special needs to global prominence.
Reaffirming the government’s strides in education, Afegbua disclosed that within one and a half years, the state had constructed, renovated, rehabilitated and remodelled 73 schools, all of which have been fully furnished to create a conducive and secure learning environment.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, congratulated Kanyeyachukwu on his achievements and emphasised the need for greater public awareness and collaboration in addressing autism-related challenges.
He stressed that autistic individuals are not afflicted by curses or spiritual causes, but are unique individuals who require understanding, care and support.
Oshiomhole noted that the event served, both as a celebration of achievement and a platform for education and enlightenment, urging the public to embrace and nurture the talents inherent in autistic children.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring adequate care and support systems for them.
In his remarks, the cyclist’s father explained that the awareness ride spans multiple states, Enugu, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ogun, before terminating in Lagos.
He disclosed that the initiative is supported by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, with 22 international cyclists participating in the effort.
He added that the team conducts diagnostic outreach at various stopovers, supported by medical professionals, to identify children with autism and provide guidance.
He emphasised that autism is not a disease, but a developmental disorder, calling on the public to show empathy and support, rather than ridicule.
The event drew a large crowd, with the hall of the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub filled to capacity by students from schools across the state, who gathered to receive and celebrate the cyclist during his stopover in Edo on his journey to Lagos.
