Tobechi Achionye, a multi-talented autistic savant and runway model popularly known as Kind Toby, brought his message of kindness and inclusion to a school for children with special needs as part of the 2025 World Kindness Day (WKD) celebrations.
The event, themed “Kindness for All Abilities”, took place on Thursday at the School for Special Needs, Kuje, Abuja, and featured the “Inclusive Runway for Kindness,” where Kind Toby and other models walked alongside pupils, symbolising inclusion and empowerment.
The artist also delivered an energetic musical performance, presenting some of his hit singles, including “I Be Somebody” and “Be Kind.”
In his welcome address, Kind Toby said the campaign was dedicated to raising awareness about kindness, inclusion, and opportunities for children with special needs, emphasizing that every child deserves the chance to participate fully in society and reach their potential.
The event drew representatives from civil society groups, child rights advocates, educators, and stakeholders from both public and private sectors, including the Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all showing support for the initiative.
Mr. Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, praised Toby and his team for the initiative, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to inclusive development under the Renewed Hope framework.
“Inclusion is at the heart of kindness, which is why the President established the office for persons with special needs to ensure equal opportunities,” Isa said. “We encourage development partners and well-meaning Nigerians, including corporate bodies, to join in advancing the cause of inclusion.”
Sen. Frank Ibezim, the artist’s uncle, also highlighted the importance of equitable systems to support children with special needs, noting that “every child has abilities that deserve encouragement and recognition.”
The school’s Head Teacher, Mr. Isaac Ikpangetor, described the event as a landmark demonstration of kindness and inclusion, praising stakeholders for taking the time to celebrate the children and urging Nigerians of goodwill to continue supporting such initiatives.
A highlight of the programme was the presentation of two books: Be Kind: A Story of Understanding, Kindness and Autism Awareness and I Can Share: Kindness Awareness, both authored by Mrs. Noni Okocha, CEO of the I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative.
World Kindness Day, observed globally on November 13, celebrates the power of kindness to build stronger communities, encouraging people to rise above differences of race, religion, or background and show compassion to others.