Indomie has said it is backing a cross-country cycling journey by 15-year-old autism advocate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo, who is embarking on a Guinness World Record-bound ride from Enugu to Lagos to raise awareness about autism and promote inclusion.

Tagged ‘Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye’, the expedition will see the young cyclist travel across several Nigerian cities as he advocates for greater understanding and support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

The initiative represents an official attempt to set a Guinness World Records milestone as the youngest autistic individual to complete a cross-country cycling journey. The ride is scheduled to conclude in Lagos on World Autism Awareness Day, reinforcing the global call for empathy, acceptance, and opportunity for people on the autism spectrum.

Speaking on the brand’s involvement, Group corporate communications and events manager of Dufil Prima Foods, Temitope Ashiwaju, said the initiative reflects Indomie’s enduring commitment to celebrating courageous Nigerian children and amplifying stories that inspire hope.

“At Indomie, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream boldly and achieve extraordinary things. Kanyeyachukwu’s journey is a powerful reminder that determination and talent can transcend limitations. We are proud to support his mission to inspire understanding, acceptance, and hope for individuals living with autism,” he said.

Indomie stated that “Kanyeyachukwu first captured national attention when he was recognised at the Indomie Heroes Awards, an initiative by Indomie that celebrates courageous Nigerian children who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, resilience, and impact in their communities.

“Since receiving the recognition, he has continued to use advocacy, creativity, and public engagement to reshape perceptions about autism and inspire conversations around inclusion.

“Through the ‘Journey of Possibility’, Kanyeyachukwu hopes to demonstrate that individuals on the autism spectrum possess extraordinary potential when given the opportunity and support to thrive.”

It added that “as a key supporter of the initiative, Indomie will provide branded cycling kits and support materials for cyclists accompanying him throughout the route, alongside financial support and brand activations at designated stops along the journey. These engagements will include community interactions aimed at educating the public, encouraging dialogue, and fostering broader participation in autism advocacy.”

Through initiatives like the Indomie Heroes Awards and its support for the ‘Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye’, Indomie continues to champion young Nigerians whose courage, determination, and achievements demonstrate the limitless possibilities that emerge when children are empowered to pursue their dreams.

-Leadership

Two persons suspected to be students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, the Imo State capital, have drowned in Otammiri River in Owerri.

The incident, according to a source, occurred last Saturday.

The source said one of the deceased, Chukwudi Okwuchukwu, was a year one National Diploma Computer Science student and Igwilo, a friend of another student, who joined the swimming expedition.

However, the school authorities have denied the allegation, saying they were not aware of the incident.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said four male friends came to swim in the Otammiri River and snap pictures.

According to the source, a local warned the young men not to swim, saying it was getting dark, but they refused and continued swimming.

Further, he said the swimmers who were busy being snapped pictures by their friends swam to the deep side and drowned in the process.

The school’s public relations officer, Dr Ike Ibe, said the school was unaware of the incident.

He said, “No, the school management is not aware of such an incident.”

When contacted, the SUG president of polytechnic, Destiny Nwosu, confirmed that two people drowned in the river but maintained that they had yet to be identified as students of the school.

Nwosu said, “I heard that two people drowned at the Otammiri River, but we have yet to confirm that they are students of our school. I can’t confirm whether they were Nekede Polytechnic students or from the other schools in the state, and if they were even students anywhere else.”

The president of the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS), Nekede Polytechnic chapter, Daniel Promise, said he saw the video on social media but maintained that they had not been identified as students of Nekede Polytechnic.

He said, “Up till now, no one has confirmed the victim to be their coursemate or anything like that. I can’t confirm that they were our fellow students,” Promise said.

Meanwhile, the two corpses have been deposited at a morgue.

-Leadership

Plateau State commissioner for Health, Dr Nicolas Ba’amlong, has declared that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after cataract in Nigeria.

He, therefore,  called for a united  push for regular eye checks, early diagnosis and affordable treatment.

The commissioner said Nigeria Blindness and Vision Impairment Survey, Prevalence of Glaucoma affects five percent of the population, adding that it accounts for 16.7 percent of blindness cases, while 5.6 percent of the affected individuals knew they had the disease and one in five persons  were already blind at diagnosis.

He maintained that the 2023 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey in Plateau State reported prevalence of blindness to be 2.7 percent which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.7 percent stressing that glaucoma accounted for 17 percent of such blindness.

The theme for this year ” Uniting for Glaucoma Free World” emphasised the power of collective action in tackling one of the leading causes of irreversible  blindness. It conveys both urgency and hope highlighting that while glaucoma cannot be cured, blindness from it can often be prevented  through awareness, early detection and treatment.

Dr. Ba’amlong further explained that “Glaucoma Week reminds us that protecting visions is a shared responsibility because when we unite to promote awareness, early testing and accessible treatment, we move closer to the future where no one loses his sight to glaucoma.”

-Leadership