Renowned art savant, Tobechi Achionye, fondly known as Toby, has taken a campaign on inclusive empowerment to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) in commemoration of the 2025 Autism Awareness Month.
The event, organised by ‘Be Kind by Toby: A vision for Change’, held on Saturday at the Durumi IDPs camp in Area 1, Abuja.
The camp came alive with colour, music, creativity and compassion as the ace artist used the occasion captioned “Kindness for All Abilities Awareness” to celebrate his 24th birthday with the IDPs.
The campaign was dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and awareness for individuals of all abilities, particularly those living with autism and other special needs, featuring practical painting sessions, music, creativity talks, among others.
The day’s centrepiece was a touching runway show featuring children from the camp modelling T-shirts from Toby’s autism-inspired fashion line — each design telling a piece of his personal journey as a person living with autism.
In his welcome address, Toby said the campaign was dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and awareness for individuals of all abilities, particularly those living with autism and other special needs.
According to him every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, needs opportunity to participate fully in society and to achieve their full potential.
“I am really happy that you are all here today to celebrate this day with me, and it is very special because we are showing that kindness is for everyone.
“We will read and learn a few things about my journey with autism, create beautiful art, walk the runway in style and also play and sing some of my favourite tunes with you on my piano.
“Let us have fun, be kind and celebrate all abilities together”, he said.
As part of his commitment to empowerment, Toby awarded one-year scholarships to all the participating IDP models, helping to support their education and development.
The impactful campaign was made even stronger through a meaningful partnership with the NGOs , including RAISE Health & Wellness Organisation ,and I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative, founded by sisters Renee Okocha and Zara Okocha, with Noni Okocha serving as CEO.
Together with Toby, they launched two powerful children’s books inspired by his journey with autism: “Understanding Autism: Toby’s Journey” and “Be Kind: A Story of Acceptance & Inclusion.”
These books have quickly become valuable resources in classrooms and homes, helping children, parents, and educators better understand autism and the importance of kindness from an early age.
Tobechi Achionye, born in the United States by Nigerian parents, is the founder of ‘Be Kind by Toby: A Vision for Change’, an initiative that promotes autism awareness, education, empowerment, and inclusivity, while advocating for creative expression in arts, fashion, and music.
He was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and has gracefully embraced his neurodiversity as a strength, using his gifts to champion a more inclusive and accepting society.
He is an exceptionally gifted artist whose talents span both the visual and musical arts, and he effortlessly identifies and reproduces melodies on the piano and drums.
His musical journey began in church, and today his sound blends gospel, rock and roll, and Igbo highlife, all delivered in his signature crooning style.
Toby was a second runner-up in the historic Autism’s Got Talent in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (2022) and has since continued to inspire many through his artistic and musical brilliance.