Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) partnered with Debra’s Palace Initiative to host the second edition of the Creative Summer School in Lagos, a project designed to train young men with technical skills, mentorship, and personal development training.
Running from September 8 to 20, 2025, at MADhouse by Tikera Africa, the programme brought together 25 participants for intensive daily sessions, with up to 100 others joining at different points during the opening and closing ceremonies.
The school targeted young men between the ages of 18 and 25, giving them a platform to develop skills needed to scale through Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
The training went beyond cameras and editing suites as participants engaged in photography, cinematography, sound editing, graphic design, and content creation.
Sessions also included business of creativity, etiquette, and financial literacy. Canon Miraisha added a three-day beginner’s photography class combining classroom lessons with outdoor practice. Two outstanding students received Canon Selphy CP1000 printers.
The initiative attracted some of Nigeria’s most respected professionals as mentors and facilitators. Names such as Femi Odugbemi, Bayo Omoboriowo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Osarume Akenzua, Tayo Adetunji, Precious Eniayekan, Uncle Sele and David Adetola were part of the faculty, each sharing insights drawn from years of industry experience.
Speaking on Canon’s vision, Somesh Adukia, managing director of Canon Central and North Africa, said, “Through the Miraisha Programme, Canon is deeply committed to investing in Africa’s youth by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in today’s creative industries.
“Our ongoing collaboration with Debra’s Palace Initiative reflects our belief that creativity is not only a pathway to employment but also a driver of positive social change. Together, we’re building opportunities that will inspire the next generation of African storytellers and leaders.”
For Damilola Chinedu, founder of Debra’s Palace Initiative, the programme fills a gap in society, “We believe every boy deserves the opportunity to develop his talent and grow into a man of vision, impact, and integrity. The Creative Summer School provides a safe and inspiring space where participants develop the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.
“Partnering with Canon Miraisha allows us to prepare boys not just for careers, but for meaningful lives of leadership.”
The Miraisha Programme, which has already trained over 7,000 young people in 11 African countries, is part of Canon’s broader mission to nurture the next generation of creatives. Its goal is to reach 10,000 beneficiaries by 2030.
Previous collaborations have included projects with Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria, Maono Africa in Kenya, and the Lens on Life Project in Cameroon.
Debra’s Palace Initiative, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering boys, has also recorded strong impact with more than 3,500 participants engaged through its conferences, mentorship tours, and scholarship schemes.
The Creative Summer School is one of its flagship collaborations, aligning with its mission to shape boys into confident and responsible men.
With this latest edition, both Canon and Debra’s Palace Initiative are creating opportunities that extend beyond employment, building a generation of African creatives who can lead, inspire, and drive change in their communities.
