Introduction to Tobechi Achionye
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.
The Need for Support
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.”
NAN’s Commitment to Promoting Tobechi
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.
Acknowledging Support and Planning for Future Events
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.
About Tobechi Achionye
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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tobechi Achionye, also known as Kind Toby, is an inspiration to many with his multi-talented abilities despite living with autism. The call for support by the Managing Director of NAN highlights the importance of promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents. With the support of organizations like NAN and the dedication of his family and caregivers, Toby continues to break barriers and inspire others through his art, music, and fashion.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Tobechi Achionye?
A: Tobechi Achionye, also known as Kind Toby, is a multi-talented artist living with autism. - Q: What is the Managing Director of NAN’s call to action regarding Tobechi Achionye?
A: The Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali, has called for support for Tobechi Achionye to help promote inclusion and provide platforms for him to showcase his talents. - Q: What event is Tobechi planning for November 13, 2025?
A: Tobechi is planning to stage the largest fashion runway by an autistic model on November 13, 2025, in commemoration of the 2025 World Kindness Day. - Q: What is Tobechi’s background and talents?
A: Tobechi was born in Winnipeg, Canada, to Nigerian parents, and is a Nigerian-American young talent whose journey bridges art, music, and fashion. He paints, plays piano, sings, and does runway modeling, among other talents.
