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.

The post Canon, Debra’s Palace Expand Creative Summer School to Train Nigerian Youth appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This year’s theme, “Where Culture Meets Connection,” reinforces Facebook as the leading space for conversations around cultural moments globally, bringing together internationally recognised African creatives from diverse disciplines, uniting to create a powerful celebration of African creativity, culture and global influence.

The three short cinematic films, premiering on the Meta Africa page, take viewers on a journey through the groundbreaking work, personal stories, and cultural influences of six of Africa’s most dynamic creative talents. 

Through powerful storytelling, the campaign unites diverse art forms of film, animation, dance, music and photography, into a single narrative of creativity and collaboration.

Meet the creators behind the campaign

Featuring some of the continent’s most popular and loved creatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, the films explore themes of identity, creativity, and connection across the continent, celebrating not only their artistry, but their widespread influence and cultural resonance. 

Ladipoe (Rapper) x Fat Boy Animations (Animation)

• Ladipoe (Nigeria): A BET award nominee, he is a Nigerian rapper known for fusing global hip-hop sounds with African rhythms, he is a leader of Nigeria’s hip-hop revival with his authenticity and originality inspiring a new generation of artists
• Fatboy Animations (Kenya): A studio founded by self-taught animator Michael Muthiga and twice recognized by Forbes magazine as one to watch, Fatboy Animations is known for creating fun, original African stories, with the studio’s standout character, Kapinto receiving international acclaim. 

Lisa Quama (Dancer) x Gilbert Asante(Photographer)

• Lisa Quama (Ghana): A dancer and content creator celebrated for her energetic dance videos. She gained major recognition after featuring in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video alongside Shatta Wale.
• Gilbert Asante (Ghana): A creative director, photographer and multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant visual storytelling and refined style. His work has been featured in GQ, Glam Africa and Glitz Africa.

David Tlale (Fashion Designer) x Ofentse Mwase (Videographer)

• David Tlale (South Africa): A fashion designer who approaches fashion with an eye toward bold and creative designs that fuse African heritage with modern style. His innovative designs have been showcased at major fashion events—from New York and Paris to Cape Town Fashion Weeks, whilst his designs have graced some of entertainment’s biggest events such as the Met Gala. 
• Ofentse Mwase (South Africa): A  talented South African filmmaker with over 24 international awards for his visual storytelling. His creativity shines in his unique visual effects and storytelling, often blending African culture with modern themes. 

Commenting on the launch, Kezia Anim-Addo, communications director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), said: “We’re incredibly excited to shine a spotlight and celebrate just some of the amazing creative talent that casts a light on our African culture and connects us to the world.

“Facebook is a leading place for conversations around cultural moments, and through this campaign, we’re not only celebrating individual success stories – we’re also showcasing how culture and social media together can drive meaningful connection and inspiration.” 

The post ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ Returns for Fifth Year appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.