Canon and MED-EL empower Nigerian youth with photography workshops
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) has partnered with MED-EL, a global leader in hearing implant systems, to extend the Canon Young People Programme (CYPP) to Lagos, Nigeria, following a successful collaboration in Kenya.
The initiative empowers youth through visual storytelling, providing creative platforms for self-expression, confidence-building, and skills development. Thirteen young participants, aged 9 to 22, all cochlear implant users, joined the programme after completing speech and language therapy as part of their rehabilitation.
Photography as a Platform for Expression
Through photography workshops led by Canon Certified Trainers Austen Udoh and Tore Oriase, participants learned both technical skills and creative storytelling. They explored the vibrant Bariga community and Lekki Conservation Park, interpreting themes of sustainability and sound through their lenses.
“At Canon, we believe that true innovation is meaningful only when it creates opportunities for all,” said Tushar Vashnavi, Director of Strategic Planning at CCNA. “By equipping these young individuals with creative skills and confidence, we are enabling them to find their voice, shape their own narratives, and unlock future possibilities.”
The Canon Young People Programme integrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework, encouraging youth to address sustainability issues that matter to them. Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei — “Living and working together for the common good” — guides its mission to build inclusive platforms for underrepresented communities.
Building Long-Term Pathways for Youth
“Supporting young cochlear implant users goes beyond auditory rehabilitation,” said Sneha Lata, Senior Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist at MED-EL. “This partnership with Canon bridges medical support with creative development, helping young people reintegrate into society with confidence.”
With growing interest from educators and advocacy groups, the Nigeria programme is expected to become a model for other regions in Africa.
