By Joshua Olomu
Tobechi Achionye, multi-talented artist living with autism, a.k.a Kind Toby, made historic debut on the runway at the Fashion Fusion Africa (FFA) 2025, becoming the first autistic model to walk the show’s runway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youngster was featured alongside other models at the event, held from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19 in Abuja.
The FFA 2025 with the theme “Fables through Fabrics”, brought together designers from across Nigeria and beyond, fashion enthusiasts and other stakeholders in the creative industry.
Kind Toby lit-up the runway alongside other models at the grand finale on Sunday night, showcasing the collections of popular brands, including Ummys Glamour, Herboojah and Elcheddre Luxury, among others.
Mr Obinna Obi, the Convener of FFA and Chief Executive Officer of Obitaris Consults and Events Ltd, said featuring the autistic model was to foster inclusivity in showcasing Africa’s creativity.
According to him, the event is a platform to showcase Africa’s rich stories through fabrics, and featuring Kind Toby on the runway is because his story brings humanity to the runway.
He said “whether Ankara, Tie and Dye, Asoke or any local material, we want to tell the African stories through fabrics.
“This event also has the first ever runway model who is autistic, working on the runway, and it is very special to me because this programme is about inclusion.
“The idea behind Fashion Fusion Africa is inclusivity, it’s about bringing everybody together, not minding where you are from, your tribe or your culture.
“It is a platform for everybody to come together and celebrate one thing; which is fashion.”
Mr Joshua Agu, the Founder of The Outbox Care Initiative, also lauded Kind Toby’s courage and creativity, describing him as an inspiration to people living with disabilities.
According to him, Kind Toby’s journey teaches empathy in action, and supporting him means supporting every young person with a dream that deserves to be seen.
Mrs Adebisi Ummy, the Chief Executive Officer, Ummyls Glamour, said having the young autistic model showcase the brand on the runway was an inspiring way to demonstrate inclusive opportunity in the creative industry.
Earlier in an interview with NAN at the sidelines, Mrs Noni Okocha, the Chief Executive Officer of “I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative”, saluted the artist’s passion and courage.
According to Okocha, author of the books — Be Kind by Toby and Understanding Autism, his journey is a reminder that every young person has something unique to offer the world.
She said that “through his art, music and advocacy, he gives hope and visibility to those who are often overlooked, showing that difference is not a limitation, but a beautiful form of strength.”
NAN reports that Kind Toby, born in Winnipeg, Canada to Nigerian parents, is a Nigerian-American young talent whose journey bridges art, music and fashion.
Diagnosed with autism as a child, he found his voice not in words, but in rhythm, colour and design as he draws logos and landscapes with photographic precision.
As a music artist, he continues to inspire through his artistic and musical brilliance as he plays music beautifully by ear, often recreating songs after hearing them just once.
His debut single — “I Be Somebody” — has become a rallying anthem encouraging people to see the unseen, empower the youth and support those living with disabilities.
He is a second runner-up in Autism’s Got Talent in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (2022) and founder of “Be Kind by Toby: A Vision for Change.”
At his first major fashion showcase, Kind Toby’s historic walk became a celebration of courage, inclusion and creativity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
