By Daniel Tyokua
A young Nigerian, living with autism, Tobechi Achionye has led campaign on inclusion and literacy that unites fashion, and music.
Achionye, popularly known as Toby, trains with Law Models Academy, is the voice behind the song “I Be Somebody”, an anthem and movement that affirms the dignity and potential of every person.
His journey now stands at the heart of a partnership between Law Models Academy and the I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative, aimed at promoting inclusion, literacy, and empowerment nationwide.
Law Models Academy is mobilizing over 60 young trainees — boys and girls in Abuja— who are advocating for the girl child, promoting inclusion for youths of all abilities, and empowering more than 2,000 young Nigerians through modeling and fashion.
Toby’s inclusion strengthens this mission, proving that neurodiverse youth can inspire change and lead national conversations.
“Toby’s journey is proof that inclusion is not charity — it is strength,” said Noni Okocha, CEO of I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative.
“Through his music, modeling, and courage, he is showing Nigeria and the world that every child and every person is somebody.”
Mr. Larry Walker, CEO of Law Models Academy, affirmed: “Featuring Toby is not just about inclusion; it is about celebrating talent, courage, and the limitless power of youth.
He represents exactly what our academy stands for — creativity, relevance, and impact.”
This campaign is supported by national partners of the I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the National Library of Nigeria, NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, the federal road safety of Nigeria, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, the Senator Frank Ibezim Foundation, ATRED Foundation, Lola Cater Foundation and Raise health and wellness organization.
It also connects to the Ifon Classroom Library Project, founded by the Okocha sisters, Renee and Zara, which is reviving Nigeria’s reading culture by putting books directly into the hands of children and ensuring literacy for all.
With fashion, music, and advocacy at its core, this collaboration is sending a powerful message from Abuja to the world, “every model; every child; every person is somebody”.
