Minister restates FG’s commitment to mental health, disability inclusion

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing inclusive health and social systems in the country.

Salako stated this on Tuesday at the Myth Exhibition and Policy Discourse, organised by Kenyeyachukwu Autism Society, in collaboration with National Assembly Library.

Our correspondent reports that theme of the exhibition is: “Art as a Catalyst for Fostering Inclusion in Nation Building.”

The exhibition was in honour of 16-year old boy living with autism and holder of Guinness World Record for the largest art work, Master Kanyeyachukwu Okeke.

The minister said that the federal government was fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and supporting initiatives that use creative arts as pathways to inclusion, empowerment and community integration.

Salako noted that around the world, creative expression had become a powerful bridge connecting individuals, communities and cultures.

According to him, for persons with autism, art provides a unique platform to communicate, heal, to be seen and to be understood.

“Today’s exhibition highlights the extra-ordinary talents of individuals whose artistic expressions remind us that inclusion is not merely a policy aspiration, but a life experience we must intentionally nurture.

“Art invites us to look beyond labels and stereotypes, to embrace the beauty of difference, and to recognise the potential within every Nigerian.

“It holds the power to shift mindsets, expand empathy and inspire positive social change as essential ingredients for meaningful nation building.

“As the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare continues to strengthen policies and programmes that support mental health, disability inclusion and social welfare, we acknowledge organisations like the Kenyeyachukwu Autism Society as vital partners.

“I reaffirm our commitment to advancing inclusive health and social systems, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and supporting initiatives that use creative arts as pathways to inclusion, empowerment and community integration,” he said.

The minister commended parents, caregivers, advocates and partners who had dedicated themselves to creating supportive environments for neuro-diverse individuals.

In his remarks, the National President, Society of Nigerian Artists Curator, Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, described Okeke as a remarkably-talented artist living with autism.

He described that the prestigious art work, known as: “The Myth Impact” as a testament to the transformative power of art which knows no bounds and transcends limitations.

“The exhibition is of profound significance as it questions the myths surrounding disability, ability and creativity.

“Kanyeyachukwu’s art boldly asserts that impairment is not a limitation, but a different perspective on the world.

“His works are a testament to the idea that art is undoubtedly a sweet companion in the drive to better days, capable of creating alternatives to unhealthy stereotypes, building a better future and fostering understanding,” he said.

Also speaking, Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Mr Tagbo Okeke, said that the exhibition was to generate conversations around children living with autism.

Okeke said that autism was becoming a big phenomenon in cities and underserved areas in Nigeria, Africa and all over the world.

“There are so many people who are in need of therapy; there are so many kids who are in need of intervention, and the parents cannot afford it.

“We need a lot of social structures to be able to mitigate the issues that surround special needs and autism.

“We also need a lot of awareness for people living with the stigma to be able to come out of it; we need to find the stigma, and stigma cannot be fought without awareness in and around the entire society,” he said.