Culture and Tourism

Musawa Celebrates Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke on Guinness World Record

Published

2 years 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

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

1 week ago

November 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.

Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.

CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.

Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”

On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.

Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.

CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.

The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.

CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.

CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.

“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.

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