Culture and Tourism

Musawa Celebrates Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke on Guinness World Record

Published

8 months ago

April 2, 2025

…Commits to empowering Autistic Artists
Joel Ajayi

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has announced its commitment to supporting talented autistic children in Nigeria.

The Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa made this known on Wednesday at the Eagles Square Abuja, during the unveiling and presentation of certificate to 15-year old autistic artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke by the Guiness World Record Organization. The event also coincided with the commemoration of World Autism Awareness day.

In her welcome address, Minister Musawa congratulated Kanyeyachukwu for breaking the Guinness World Record by painting the largest art canvas in the world.

“We are here to honor fifteen- year old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a young Nigerian prodigy, 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.

“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 recognize the unique abilities and potential of individuals with autism and are dedicated to providing opportunities for them to thrive in the creative industries.

“Kanyeyachukwu’s record-breaking artwork, “Impossible is a Myth,” is not only an impressive feat but also a beacon of inspiration for autistic children and individuals around the world. His achievement demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, individuals with autism can excel in their chosen fields”.

Barr Musawa added that the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is committed to providing a platform for autistic artists like Kanyeyachukwu to showcase their talents.

“We will work with relevant stakeholders to create opportunities for autistic children to develop their creative skills and pursue their passions”, the Minister said.

In attendance was the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed M. Malik, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, President, Society of Nigerian Artists Muhammad Suleiman, representatives of the Chief of Defense Staff and the Minister Federal Capital Territory, the Guiness World Record Organization and popular Afrobeat singer, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as

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Creative Industry

Musawa Highlights Art and Culture as Drivers of Public Sector Excellence at Legislative Mentorship Session

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., has emphasized the importance of integrating art and culture into public-sector excellence in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the SA Media & Publicity, Office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Phd.

Musawa made this known while addressing trainees at the 4th Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), held at the National Institute For Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja on Thursday.

Themed ‘Building the next generation of Public Sector Leaders’, Minister Musawa highlighted art and culture as essential tools for national cohesion and identity, economic development and job creation, innovation and civic engagement, sustainable development, and projecting Nigeria’s soft power and global identity.

She noted that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is a unifying force that binds different ethnicities and elaborated on how Art and Culture is key to public-sector excellence in Nigeria.

“First, embracing and promoting art and culture helps to forge national cohesion and shared identity among Nigeria’s diverse populations. Integrating culture into public policy and governance transforms the creative and cultural sectors into engines of economic development, job creation and diversification. Cultural industries including crafts, music, film, design, heritage tourism can generate livelihoods, attract investment, expand exports, and reduce overreliance on a narrow set of economic activities.

“A society that values creativity and cultural expression tends to produce more resourceful citizens, fosters cross-cultural dialogue, and encourages public servants to be more adaptive, empathetic, and culturally aware while prioritizing culture and creative economy in public policy through frameworks, institutions, and infrastructure, demonstrates long-term vision and commitment to sustainable development,” Musawa said.

The Minister called for supportive policies, enabling legislation, and sustained commitment to fulfill this vision, including laws that protect intellectual property, incentivize investment in creative infrastructure, and integrate arts and culture into education and community development.

“Embedding art and culture at the heart of governance and public-sector planning is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It builds unity, drives economic growth, fosters innovation, strengthens institutions, and ensures that development respects and reflects the soul of the nation,” she emphasized.

Musawa thanked the founder of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his inspiring vision and unwavering commitment to cultivating Nigeria’s future public-service leaders.

Other speakers at the Legislative Mentorship Initiative include the Director General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization Aisha Augie, Nigerian photo-journalist and documentary photographer Bayo Omoboriowo, Amb. Dapo Oyewole, Secretary-General Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures amongst others.

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