Ras J. Baraka, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, in the United States of America, has given the Young CEO Award to fourteen-year-old Nigerian Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke, who lives with autism.
Kanyeyachukwu was honored by the mayor on Sunday during the 8th Annual Nigerian Independence Day celebration and the main event named ‘The New Nigeria Strategic Plan on Reform for the Economy (S.P.O.R.E.)’ 2023.
The S.P.O.R.E. Leader’s Summit 2023 was co-hosted by Lord & Nikes and had the theme ‘Charting the Course for a New Nigeria’.
Kanyeyachukwu was honored in a letter signed by Mayor Baraka for his effort and devotion on all levels, as well as the leadership and inspiration he continues to provide for his people.
“We are also proud to acknowledge you for the many contributions that you have already made and will continue to make, and for the strong foundation and ethical values that you are building and will continue to build in this journey,” Mayor Baraka stated.
In a signed letter, Louis Scott-Roundtree, Council Member-At-Large of the City of Newark, thanked Kanyeyachukwu for his continuous service, leadership work, and dedication to aid the surrounding communities as they fight to improve the quality of life for others.
“I know you will continue to be an inspiration to us all. I am excited to see you reap the fruits of your efforts, and I have no doubt that your impact will leave a lasting legacy,” Scott-Roundtree stated.
Furthermore, in a signed statement, the secretary of the City of Newark, Kecia Daniels, declared that members of the Newark Municipal Council were delighted to receive Kanyeyachukwu as an honoree of the Lord & Nikes 8th Annual Nigerian Independence Day Celebration 2023.
The New Nigeria S.P.O.R.E. project, according to the event’s organizers, Mrs Nike Awoleye, emphasizes the nation’s commitment to assuring growth and prosperity for its people by stimulating conversations and partnerships around the country’s economic reforms.
Kanyeyachukwu was born in Calgary, Canada, to Mr and Dr Tagbo-Okeke of Amichi, Anambra State. He is a painter whose work and career set him apart from his contemporaries.
As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, he has received global recognition in the creative arts world and among those living with special needs.
In 2019, he was awarded the Nigerian Independence Day Award for Social Bravery.
In keeping with his advocacy activity, his paintings may be found on the walls of several embassies in Nigeria as well as diplomatic mission headquarters around the world.
Kanyeyachukwu’s paintings and works have been shown in New York, Washington DC, Malta, and the OPEC Fund for International Development art exhibition in Vietnam, Austria.
