……..As Commission Champions Inclusion Through Art, Culture and Business.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI), has arrived Lagos State for the CANEX Weekend 2026 Edition, with a strong delegation of creative Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) artists ready to showcase their talents to Africa and the world.
The participation is supported by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as part of efforts to promote inclusion, economic empowerment and visibility for PWDs in the creative and cultural industries.
CANEX WKND, the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend, is Africa’s premier gathering for creatives, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers – a platform that celebrates African culture, fashion, food, film, music, crafts and innovation.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL, ACCREDITATION, AND EXPLORATION
Day One of the events was marked by arrival, settling in, and familiarisation with the event environment.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the NCPWD/DADI delegation proceeded to the event venue where they completed accreditation procedures.
Following accreditation, the team explored the expansive event grounds, observing a rich display of African creativity and enterprise.
Among the activities and exhibitions observed were:
• Cultural displays showcasing the diversity and heritage of African peoples
• Food exhibitions featuring indigenous African cuisines and innovative food brands
• Fashion and clothing showcases by leading African designers
• Crafts and locally made products demonstrating ingenuity and craftsmanship
The exploration provided the delegation with a first-hand appreciation of the diversity of African culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, and business opportunities available at CANEX WKND.
NETWORKING FOR FUTURE COLLABORATIONS
The delegation also utilized Day One for preliminary networking, engaging with participants, exhibitors, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
The interactions involved the exchange of pleasantries, sharing of experiences, and establishing useful connections that will support future engagements, partnerships, and market access for PWD artists.
For the NCPWD and DADI, CANEX WKND is not just an exhibition – it is a marketplace of ideas, a bridge to investors, buyers, and collaborators, and a statement that disability is not inability.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM NCPWD / DADI
In the coming days, the creative PWD artists under the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative will be showcasing:
• Visual arts, paintings, and crafts
• Fashion and textile designs
• Cultural performances
• Innovative products and entrepreneurial ventures
Their presence underscores the Commission’s mandate to promote inclusion, empower PWDs economically, and ensure that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s creative economy.
CANEX provides a valuable opportunity for the Commission and DADI to observe exhibitions, appreciate creativity and cultural diversity, and lay the groundwork for a successful outing.
The NCPWD assures that its participation in CANEX WKND 2026 will amplify the voices, talents, and businesses of Persons with Disabilities and open new doors of opportunity.
SIGNED: Ishaku Kigbu (anipr) Head
Media & Publicity National Commission for Persons with Disabilities,
6th November, 2026.
Xxxxxxxxcxccxccccxx
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
PRESS RELEASE (DAY 2)
DISABILITY IS NOT INABILITY: PWDs MAKE STATEMENTS AT THE CANEX WKND 2026 IN LAGOS
…As NCPWD, DADI Artists Lead Inclusion Charge At Africa’s Biggest Creative Gathering
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with the Discovering Ability with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) taking centre stage on Day 2 of the event.
Held at the Wole Soyinka Centre, Lagos, under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World, “Day 2 of CANEX WKND focused on monetization, scaling and professional development of Africa’s creative economy. But for the Commission, the biggest story of the day was clear: PWDs are not spectators in Africa’s creative future – they are creators, learners, and leaders.
PWDs IN ACTION: INCLUSION BEYOND WORDS
A major highlight of Day 2 was the active, visible participation of PWDs across masterclasses, the Music Hub, and the CANEX Summit.
Their presence was not symbolic. It was participation in action – learning, creating, collaborating, and contributing to the conversations shaping Africa’s creative economy.
Notable participants included:
• Nnamdi Maxwell, a person with disability, participated in the Storytelling, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Creative Masterclasses, gaining new skills, knowledge and opportunities in emerging creative technologies.
• Mr. Daniel, who is blind, participated in the Music Hub Masterclass alongside Mr. Samuel, a person with physical disability. Together, they demonstrated the power of accessible music education, collaboration and inclusive creative development.
• Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director Social Integration in the Commission and deaf and Mr. Karo Bulus, participated in the CANEX Summit, contributing to broader conversations on Africa’s creative economy, investment and cultural policy.
Their successful participation reinforced the Commission’s core message: Disability should never be a barrier to creativity, learning, professional growth, or meaningful participation in Africa’s cultural and economic development investment, recognition, and learning.
For the NCPWD, the participation of PWDs at CANEX WKND 2026 is a demonstration of it’s mandate in action and networking for international collaboration.
Beyond the financial commitments and creative showcases, the participation of persons with disabilities was particularly significant. Their involvement across the masterclasses, Music Hub and Summit proved that when opportunities are made accessible, PWDs will rise, create and lead.
Africa is creating for the world – and no one will be left behind.
SIGNED: Ishaku Kigbu (anipr)
Head, Media and Publicity Unit
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD),
7th November 2026.
