By Joshua Olomu
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Muhammad Ali, has called for support for Tobechi Achionye, a.k.a Kind Toby, a multi-talented artist living with autism.
He made the call during a courtesy visit by the ace artist and his team to NAN headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, as the youngster uses his craft to promote inclusion, there is a need for Nigerians of goodwill to support him.
Ali, who described the 24-year-old Toby as an inspiration to people living with disabilities, said there was a need to offer him platforms to showcase his talents.
“It is very rare to find people, even without any impairment, to be this talented, so he really needs to be supported.
“The problem of autism, especially in Africa, has not been given the attention it requires, especially among members of communities.
“So many people have their own misunderstanding of it, but as someone who has seen victims of autism, I really appreciate Toby’s talent.
“Politics apart, Nigerians are very kind people, we are always kind to others, especially those in need,” he said.
Ali assured the team of the agency’s commitment to promoting the artist as a key stakeholder in the media ecosystem.
According to him, as Nigeria’s primary news content provider, NAN is committed to amplifying stories that promote humanity.
“NAN is known to go after noble causes like this, to bring to the attention of the public the cause of special people like this and to draw global attention.
“Like you know, NAN is Africa’s biggest news content provider, and what we say is that if you talk to NAN, you are talking to all.
“We supply content to other media organisations, so Toby’s peculiar needs and his talents will be kept in the front burner of the media,” he said.
The NAN boss also commended Toby’s family members and other relatives for their support and encouragement.
“You deserve accolades, and everyone will share in the glory and dream of this young man as someone who has multiple talents,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs Noni Okocha, the Chief Executive Officer of “I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative”, who takes care of the artist, expressed gratitude to NAN for its enduring support.
She acknowledged the agency for using its vast platforms to report feats of the ace autistic star.
Okocha said the visit was to also solicit NAN’s support as Toby plans to stage the largest fashion runway by an autistic model on Nov. 13, in commemoration of the 2025 World Kindness Day.
“We are bringing 150 children to walk the runway with Toby to foster inclusivity in showcasing young talents.
“We also want NAN’s support at this historic runway walk to celebrate courage, inclusion and creativity,” she said.
Also speaking, Sen. Frank Ibezim, who is an uncle to the artist, lauded NAN for championing journalism that promotes positive narratives about the country.
“NAN has been very supportive, and we still need more support because we know that with NAN the whole world will hear us.
“The agency can actually say to the Guinness Book of Records there’s an autistic child that is a Nigerian who is doing well,” he said.
NAN reports that 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.”
As a multi-talented artist, Toby paints, plays piano, sings and also does runway modelling, and in October, he became the first male autistic model in Africa to walk a fashion runway when he featured at the Fashion Fusion Africa (FFA) 2025. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
