The Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission Hon. Desmond Enabulele has said that sports goes beyond competition as it’s also a platform for advocacy, unity and social change.
Hon. Enabulele spoke to journalists at the media center of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City Edo State venue for the reception of the historic 100-Mile cycling ride by an autistic artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke.
He noted that Kanyeyachukwu’s journey is a reminder that sports goes beyond competition but a platform for advocacy, unity and social change, adding that through the initiative, the autistic artist is helping to break barriers, challenges misconception and help amplify the voices of persons with disabilities.
The sports commission boss commended the courage of Kanyeyachukwu for embarking on a truly inspiring initiative -the historic 100-mile endurance cycling ride from Enugu to Lagos State in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day celebrated annually on April 2nd.
“We are not just witnessing a sporting activity; we are now a part of a movement that speaks to courage, resilience, inclusion and the limitless potential of the human spirit. We are happy to be a part of your historical journey to making successful global recognition in sports achievement.
“As you endure this particular rigorous journey from Enugu to Lagos, passing through Edo State, we are proud to be part of this historic moment. This visit is particularly significant to us because of your personal connection to Edo State through maternal roots and your commitment in the pursuit of excellence”.
Hon. Enabulele said Edo State is known for excellence in sports, youths and human capacity development as the State remains committed to promoting and encouraging growth regardless of age and gender
He noted that the State strongly believed that there is ability in disability if given the opportunity to thrive, commending Kanyeyachukwu’s courage and determination to pursue global recognition and accomplishments as an autistic artist.
“Your journey, young champion is a beacon of hope as it tells every young Nigerian that no dream is too big and no challenge is insurmountable. We celebrate your courage, embrace your message and stand with you in promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society”.
In his goodwill message, the commissioner for health Cyril Oshomohole commended Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke for his courage, resilience and the power of the human spirit.
He noted that at 16 years of age Kanyeyachukwu has decided to challenge the limit, defile impossibility, cycling from Enugu to Lagos which is a great feat to achieved.
“Every great journey is made possible through determination, purpose and belief as your story sends a powerful message to not only young people but all of us that impossibility is truly a myth. We celebrate you and assure you that we are with you all the way”.
The autistic artist father Mr. Togbo Okeke who is also riding with his son said they have been riding from Enugu to Okah, Asaba and now a stop over in Benin, adding that they are riding to Lagos, doing it for autism.
He noted that his son Kanyeyachukwu is living with autism and was diagnosed at age four and has made the Guinness World Records for the largest painting on canvas last year.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke is a 16 year old autistic artist who defiled all odds to embark on this 100-mile endurance cycling ride from Enugu to Lagos.
