Lagos, Nigeria — Friday, 11th April 2025 — In a heartwarming and impactful initiative, Canon, a global leader in imaging solutions, partnered with the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) to empower persons with disabilities through a unique photography training session. The event, filled with excitement, skill-building, and powerful storytelling moments, left participants inspired and ready to capture the world through their lenses.
The day kicked off with an emotional and memorable “Moments of Joy” photoshoot session. Each participant had their portrait professionally taken, capturing the beauty of their individuality. These portraits were later presented to them, framed, as a symbol of pride and encouragement — a personal “moment of joy” they could hold onto forever.
The CCD team warmly welcomed Mr. Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA), along with the Canon delegation, expressing profound gratitude for their thoughtfulness and investment in the disability community. In their welcome remarks, the CCD team emphasized the Centre’s commitment to advocating for the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Somesh Adukia praised CCD for its unwavering dedication to promoting the dignity and talents of persons with disabilities. He highlighted that Canon’s philosophy of “living and working together for the common good” mirrors CCD’s mission. Adukia stated that the “Moments of Joy” programme was created to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and amplify unheard voices beyond Canon’s corporate environment.
“We believe everyone has a story worth telling, and through initiatives like this, we want to give people the tools to tell their own stories in their own voices,” Adukia said.
In a powerful demonstration of support, Canon made a generous donation of a professional camera and printer to CCD. This gift aims to empower the Centre to continue documenting and telling the stories of persons with disabilities — stories that need to be seen, heard, and valued.
The applause that followed the donation was heartfelt, as participants and CCD staff alike expressed gratitude for Canon’s commitment to fostering creativity, self-expression, and economic empowerment among persons with disabilities.
Following the ceremony, the main event of the day unfolded — an intensive hands-on photography training session. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of photography, including:
- The different parts of a camera
- Types of cameras and their uses
- Proper handling and care of camera equipment
- Essential photography tips and techniques for beginners
The highlight was the practical session, where participants eagerly put their new knowledge to use, taking turns behind the camera, experimenting with angles, lighting, and composition. For many, it was their first time operating professional camera equipment, and their excitement was infectious.
Throughout the session, Canon trainers provided individualized support, ensuring that each participant, regardless of their disability, was fully engaged and empowered to succeed.
For the ten participants, this was more than just a training — it was an opportunity to explore a potential career path, express creativity, and most importantly, change narratives about what persons with disabilities can achieve when given the right tools and opportunities.
As the day drew to a close, smiles lit up the room. Participants left not just with skills but with renewed confidence and a sense of belonging in a world where inclusion and empowerment are possible.
This collaboration between Canon and CCD stands as a shining example of how corporations and civil society organizations can work together to create meaningful change and promote true diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The future, indeed, looks brighter through the lenses of these newly empowered storytellers.
