Canon Central and North Africa has announced the expansion of its collaboration with Kings and Queens Art Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. The initiative, part of Canon’s Miraisha Programme, aims to provide photography and filmmaking training to young people in the Bariga and Makoko communities.
This expansion follows the success of the previous year’s programme, where 100 young participants from Bariga received training. In 2025, the initiative will enrol 120 young adults from both communities in workshops designed to equip them with skills for the creative industry.
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Training programme to reach more participants
Canon’s partnership with Kings and Queens Art Academy will provide four week-long training sessions in March and April. The workshops will take place at the Academy’s location in Bariga, ensuring accessibility for participants from both communities.
The training will cover camera handling, composition, and storytelling through images. Sessions will include theoretical lessons, hands-on exercises, and outdoor shooting. Upon completion, participants will receive certification, helping them pursue opportunities in photography and filmmaking.
Canon’s Managing Director for Central and North Africa, Somesh Adukia, highlighted the importance of the programme, stating, “As an organisation that places great emphasis on people and social impact, Canon’s Miraisha programme works to empower Africa’s youth. We’re so pleased to be, once again, collaborating with Kings and Queens Art Academy to provide a platform to support vulnerable and less privileged young people through photography workshops in their own communities, using local resources.”
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Building careers through skills development
The Canon Miraisha Programme has helped young people develop creative skills and access educational opportunities. Last year, four participants were awarded scholarships to study at the PEFTI Film Institute in Lagos. The expansion of the programme is expected to provide more young people with career opportunities in the creative industry.
Adewale Ayodeji, Director and Founder of Kings and Queens Art Academy, said, “We are proud to partner with Canon’s Miraisha Programme again to empower the youth of Bariga and Makoko with creative skills and open doors to new possibilities and successful careers in photography. This partnership has allowed us to extend our reach and impact, giving opportunities to even more young people.”
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Canon has emphasised gender balance in the 2025 edition of the programme. The company aims to create equal opportunities for young men and women to access training and develop creative skills. The programme aligns with Canon’s corporate philosophy, “Kyosei”, which means living and working together for the common good.
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Strengthening Nigeria’s creative industry
Kings and Queens Art Academy has been active in promoting arts education since 2013. The Academy is known for its efforts to preserve African cultural heritage and provide artistic opportunities for young people. Its initiatives include children’s art festivals in Lagos and other community-based arts projects.
Through its collaboration with the Academy, Canon aims to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry and provide young people with the skills needed to succeed. By expanding training opportunities, the Miraisha Programme supports career development and contributes to economic empowerment in local communities.
The continued partnership between Canon and Kings and Queens Art Academy reflects a long-term commitment to skills development and youth empowerment. The 2025 expansion is expected to have a lasting impact on participants, equipping them with tools to pursue careers in photography and filmmaking.
