Tobechi Achionye, known as Kind Toby, hosted the debut Inclusive Runway for Kindness event on November 13, 2025, at a school in Kuje, Abuja, to celebrate World Kindness Day. The event featured over 100 children with special needs walking the runway alongside professional models to promote inclusion and compassion. It included performances, a walk for kindness, and the launch of books on disability awareness.
On November 13, 2025, multi-talented autistic artist and runway model Tobechi Achionye, also known as Kind Toby, organized the first edition of the Inclusive Runway for Kindness at the School for Special Needs in Kuje, Abuja. The event, themed 'Kindness for All Abilities,' gathered over 100 children with diverse abilities, professional models, designers, educators, and dignitaries to highlight inclusion through fashion.
World Kindness Day, observed annually on November 13, emphasizes compassion across boundaries of race, religion, and ability. Inspired by Kind Toby, the first male autistic model to walk an African runway, the show demonstrated fashion's role in social change. Children wore custom-designed outfits by Abdul of Romzy fashion house, strutting with confidence to showcase diversity and equality.
Highlights included a live performance by Kind Toby, singing his hits 'I Be Somebody' and 'Be Kind' featuring OG Agbbah, which inspired attendees on unity and kindness. A Walk for Kindness followed, led by Kind Toby and models from Herboojah, with creative director Zee Michael Obasi present. Representatives from Transcorp Hilton, FRSC, Nigerian Police, and community members also attended.
Kind Toby described the runway as 'a movement of love' ensuring every child feels seen and valued, adding, 'We all can be somebody when we choose kindness.' Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, praised the initiative, noting, 'Inclusion is the hallmark of any kindness,' and called for partnerships to advance disability inclusion.
Mrs. Noni Okocha, CEO of 'I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative,' highlighted the children's creativity and courage. Sen. Frank Ibezim emphasized, 'There is a strong ability in every disability,' viewing the event as a national statement on love and inclusion. Mr. Martin Zarybnicky of Transcorp Hilton, represented by Mr. Ifeanyi Nnadi, commended its alignment with community commitments.
Dr. Onyi Achionye, founder of Raise Health & Wellness Organization and custodian of the Kind Toby initiative, thanked stakeholders for fostering creative empowerment. The event culminated in launching the Ifon Literacy Kindness and Disability Books by Renee Okocha and Zara Okocha, aimed at promoting empathy and understanding in schools.
Organizers plan to make the Inclusive Runway for Kindness an annual event to advance diversity and empower children with disabilities through fashion.