Tag: Nora Awolowo

  • Lens for Good Trains Over 1,500 Creatives in Kwara, Equips Participants with Tools to Tell Impactful Nigerian Stories

    Lens for Good Trains Over 1,500 Creatives in Kwara, Equips Participants with Tools to Tell Impactful Nigerian Stories

    Lens for Good, an initiative founded by Nosa Asemota, personal photographer and Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Visual Communication, convened over 1,500 young creatives in Ilorin Innovation Hub, Kwara State, for the Lens for Good Creative Kwara Workshop, a large-scale two-day training held on March 5 and 6, 2026, designed to equip emerging storytellers with practical skills in photography, filmmaking, and visual storytelling for social impact.

    It was organized in partnership with the Kwara State Government as part of broader efforts to strengthen the creative ecosystem in the state.

    The workshop anchored by Deji Onadeko brought together some of Nigeria’s respected voices in the visual creative industry, including Dapo King, Diji Aderogba, Nora Awolowo, Damola Shot It, Taibat Ajiboye, Celina Kama, Amazing Klef, Felix Crown, and Feranmi Abiola, who led practical sessions and conversations on storytelling, ethics, and building sustainable creative careers.

    Participants received hands-on training and access to professional creative tools, gaining practical experience in visual storytelling and production techniques.

    As part of its commitment to empowering young creatives, Lens for Good distributed equipment grants worth millions of naira to participants. The grants included drones, Canon cameras, mobile phones, lighting equipment, and content-creation starter packs, ensuring that many participants left the workshop not only with knowledge but also with the tools to begin telling their stories immediately.

    Delivering the opening remarks, Nosa Asemota emphasized that the goal of the initiative goes beyond technical training.

    “The goal is not simply to teach people everything in a few days,” he said. “It is to empower storytellers and give them a glimpse of what is possible, a headstart. Then gradually they become people who can document their communities, shape narratives, and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.”

    The workshop concluded with a call to continue building a stronger ecosystem for visual storytellers across Nigeria.

    In her closing remarks, Julia Azubuike, Executive Director of Lens for Good, thanked the facilitators, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and participants who contributed to the success of the initiative and called on more organizations to support efforts that empower young creatives.

    “This is the time for more organizations that are passionate about storytelling, culture, and impact to invest in young creators and help build a stronger creative ecosystem across Nigeria,” she said.

    Looking ahead, the initiative will continue beyond the workshop. Outstanding participants will be selected for advanced training and mentorship, which will provide further support, resources, and opportunities to grow their craft.

    As part of the next phase, these creatives will work on a collaborative project to tell one powerful story from their state, using visual storytelling to document the people, culture, and realities within their communities.

    The Lens for Good initiative continues to position storytelling as a powerful tool for creative growth, cultural documentation, and social impact in Nigeria.

  • Canon showcases Nigerian Filmmaker Nora Awolowo’s creative brilliance with exclusive screenings of Racket Queen in Lagos

    Through partnerships, training programmes, and access to professional equipment, Canon continues to empower the next generation of storytellers and strengthen its role in the region’s creative economy

    Canon, a leader in imaging technology, hosted an exclusive movie screening of Racket Queen in Lagos, a short film by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Nora Awolowo, shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400 cinema camera. The production stands as a testament to Nora’s creative excellence, visual storytelling finesse, and technical mastery, with her work speaking powerfully for itself.

    The Canon EOS C400, designed for professional filmmakers, played a pivotal role in capturing the film’s striking visuals and emotional depth, showcasing Canon’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s creative community with advanced imaging tools.

    The morning media screening brought together journalists from across arts, culture, entertainment, business, and technology publications, providing an exclusive first look at Racket Queen and deeper insight into Nora’s filmmaking approach. Later in the evening, Canon hosted an industry screening for filmmakers, peers, and Canon’s creative network, an engaging event and networking session celebrating collaboration, innovation, and shared passion for storytelling.

    Both events also featured a soft launch of Canon’s new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera designed to empower emerging filmmakers. Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon’s professional cinema lineup, making high-quality production more accessible to new creators.

    Speaking at the event, Rashad GhaniB2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said: “At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision. Our collaboration with Nora on Racket Queen reflects how technology and artistry come together to elevate filmmaking in Africa. We’re proud to continue empowering creators and building a thriving creative community across the region.”

    Canon’s collaboration with Awolowo aligns with its Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which focuses on innovation, customer empowerment, and long-term partnerships. By enabling filmmakers with cutting-edge imaging technology, Canon reinforces its position as the go-to brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across Africa.

    The Racket Queen follows the journey of a young girl who discovers her passion for tennis and, with her mother’s support, pursues her dream of becoming a star. Along the way she encounters, triumphs, setbacks, and sacrifices. The film features performances by Pamilerin Ayodeji, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, and Folu Storms.

    Nora AwolowoFilmmaker & Cinematographer, reflecting on her experience, added: “Working with Canon is always a creative partnership built on trust and innovation. The EOS C400 gave me the flexibility and technical precision I needed to bring Racket Queen to life. I’m proud of what we achieved together and grateful for Canon’s continued support for filmmakers like myself.”

    Canon’s Commitment to African Filmmaking

    Canon’s collaboration with Awolowo reflects its long-term commitment to African filmmaking. Through partnerships, training programmes, and access to professional equipment, Canon continues to empower the next generation of storytellers and strengthen its role in the region’s creative economy.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=fpxFwZBh1PI%3Fsi%3D7-sNvk0iPMH6OoZ1