Indomie Supports Guinness World Record Autism Ride as Lagos Celebrates Teen Cyclist Hero
In a strong demonstration of its dedication to nurturing young Nigerians and fostering inclusive communities, Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has publicly supported the inspiring efforts of 16-year-old autistic cyclist and former Indomie Heroes Award recipient, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke. Recently, he set a Guinness World Record as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles (160.9 km) to raise awareness for autism.
Dufil’s support culminated in a special recognition event held at Lagos House, Marina, where the Lagos State Government hosted the young advocate following his endurance ride from Enugu to Lagos. The ride, organized to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day, aimed to increase national awareness and foster greater acceptance of autism.
The Lagos State Government officially welcomed Kanyeyachukwu after his challenging cycling journey through seven states, part of the “Ride with Kanye” campaign. The initiative leveraged endurance sport as a platform to highlight autism spectrum conditions, child development, and the significance of inclusive communities. It garnered widespread attention across Nigeria, sparking conversations about acceptance and opportunities for individuals with autism.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the teenager’s courage and resilience, calling his achievement a testament to the boundless potential of Nigerian youth when given societal support. “This remarkable journey reminds us that ability is not defined by limitations but by opportunity,” the Governor stated during the reception. “Kanyeyachukwu has demonstrated that with courage, discipline, and purpose, advocacy can turn into action. Lagos State will continue to champion inclusion and ensure that children living with autism and other developmental conditions receive the support they need to thrive.”
In a show of commitment, the Governor announced a N200 million support package for autism advocacy in Lagos, allocating N100 million each to the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation and other autism-focused organizations working with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs.
Indomie, a key sponsor of the cycling initiative, reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to youth development, family well-being, and community impact. Representatives from government agencies, advocacy groups, partners, and families gathered to celebrate this milestone and emphasize the importance of collective action.
Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager at Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, lauded Kanyeyachukwu’s determination and underscored the importance of partnerships in fostering social change. “Kanyeyachukwu’s journey goes beyond cycling; it represents hope, awareness, and the power of believing in every child’s potential,” Ashiwaju said. “At Indomie, we believe growth happens when communities come together to nurture young minds. Supporting this advocacy reflects our commitment to encouraging confidence, inclusion, and opportunities for children across Nigeria.”
Kanyeyachukwu, an autistic visual artist, previously gained global recognition as a Guinness World Record holder for creating the largest painting on canvas, further demonstrating his influence as a young Nigerian leveraging creativity, discipline, and advocacy to inspire societal change.
The success of the Ride with Kanye campaign highlights the increasing momentum around autism awareness in Nigeria. It exemplifies how collaboration between government, private sector partners, and advocacy groups can lead to meaningful societal transformation. Through initiatives like this, stakeholders aim to build a future where inclusion is a shared national value, not just an aspiration.