Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua has assured parents and guardians of autistic children that Governor Monday Okpebholo is very passionate about the well-being of autistic children and will not allow any form of discrimination against them.
Prince Afegbua emphasised this during an audience with students, parents, government officials, cycling coaches and other dignitaries at Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City during an event to celebrate the achievement of an autistic artist and cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke who is currently riding from Enugu to Lagos .
The commissioner said Governor Okpebholo is passionate and committed about autistic children in the State as his administration is doing everything to ensure autistic children live a better life and overcome challenges associated with the neuro-disorder.
He noted that the story of Kanyeyachukwu is one of determination and achievement, adding that Kanyeyachukwu carries the Edo spirit which believes in achieving anything set out to achieve.
“Autism is a Neuro developmental behavior. It’s a disorder that has to do with the brain. This young man has already made the Guinness book of World record with the largest painting and is now riding to create awareness about autism.
“Don’t give up no matter the situation you find yourself in, rather keep pushing as Kanyeyachukwu has done and today we are celebrating him for his achievements so far.
“The ride from Enugu to Edo State and heading to Lagos is a great achievement. Asaba to Benin City took him seven hours to achieve. This is a product of determination, showing great energy!”.
Prince Afegbua appreciated and congratulated fellow cyclists riding with kanyeyachukwu to create awareness about autism including the coaches. “This awareness is important to create avenue for other autistic children to achieve success and greatness in life no matter the challenges.
“I appreciate his parents for not giving up on their son with special needs as they have nurtured him to enter the Guinness book of records. It’s not easy to nurture children with special needs”.
The Commissioner appreciated Governor Okpebholo for his developmental strides in the education sector as he has improved the physical environment which is now very conducive and secured for learning.
“Schools across the State have been transformed not like what was obtainable in the past administration. In one and a half year, 73 schools across the state have been built, renovated rehabilitated and remodelled. These schools have all been well furnished”.
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole congratulated Kanyeyachukwu for this achievements especially in creating awareness on autism and the need for collaboration to overcome the challenges.
He noted that autistic people see the world differently, they are not cursed or demonic but are special children who need special care.
“This event is organized to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu’s achievement and also a forum to create awareness, enlightenment and educating children, parents, students and the public about autism.
“We must continue to sensitize ourselves and also enlighten ourselves on the need to take care of autistic children as they have talent to be developed in them like Kanyeyachukwu who have put Edo State on a global map following his achievements.
“Autistic children are special children with special talents that need to be tapped. Edo State is committed to ensure that autistic children are under the care of the State government”.
Father of the autistic artist and cyclist said they are riding from Enugu -Anambra-Delta-Edo-Ondo-Ogun to Lagos, noting that the ride is to create awareness for autism.
He said they are backed on the journey by the top management of the cycling Federation of Nigeria with 22 international cyclists are riding with them.
“Wherever we stop, we carry out diagnostics investigation on children to know if they have the disorder. On this journey, we have top medical personnel. We are doing this to contribute our quota to create awareness on autism as the Edo State government cannot do it alone.
“Autism is not a disease but a disorder and the public must understand that these children have learning and communication problems but don’t laugh at them but support them. We celebrate governor Monday Okpebholo for he understands autism”.
The Hall of Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub was filled to capacity with students from various schools across the State who converged to receive and celebrate Kanyeyachukwu stop-over in Edo State enroute Lagos .
