The Delta State First Lady, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, led a delegation of government officials to welcome 16-year-old autistic cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, at the Delta Government House in Asaba. The teenager, who is on an endurance journey from Enugu to Lagos, was accompanied by his parents, members of the Kanyeyachukwu Autism Foundation, cycling officials, and a medical support team. The event was part of the 'Ride with Kanye' initiative, aimed at raising awareness about autism.
The First Lady, accompanied by senior officials including Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Assembly member, Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ms Pat Ajudua, praised Kanyeyachukwu's courage and determination. Mrs Oborevwori described the visit as "both inspiring and symbolic," highlighting the teenager's achievements, including recognition in the Guinness World Record, which showcase his talents in the arts and passion for cycling.
The event was also seen as an alignment with the First Lady's 'You Matter Charity Foundation', which promotes inclusion and recognises every individual's value. Mrs Oborevwori commended Kanyeyachukwu's parents for their dedication and belief in his abilities, expressing optimism for future milestones, including a possible Guinness World Record return.
The visit by the Delta State First Lady to Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke is a welcome recognition of the teenager's remarkable achievements. Mrs Oborevwori's emphasis on the importance of inclusion and recognising every individual's value is a commendable stance, especially in a country where special needs children often face significant challenges. The state government's commitment to backing awareness campaigns and social advocacy initiatives is also a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to provide adequate facilities and support for children with special needs. By supporting initiatives like 'Ride with Kanye', the government can help raise awareness and promote inclusion for all Nigerians.
