DDM/COPDEM Training: My journey of growth

By Igwenome Mary Makuo

November 24, I embarked on a significant journey from Ebonyi State to Awka for my DDM training, organized by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) and the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM).

After giving a two-week notice to prepare, my excitement grew as I learned more about the training. Content creation has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to connect with participants from all 36 states was thrilling.

The best part was knowing that accommodation, meals, and transportation were all covered, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I was left pondering the dedication of organizations like DDM and COPDEM, which prioritize the public’s interest and strive to foster a better government and society.

On the day of travel, I woke up early and began my morning with prayer. I then tackled household chores, ensuring my siblings were ready for church and assisting my mom with various tasks.

After a busy morning, I went to weave my hair, which turned out to be more time-consuming than expected. I was supposed to travel with my Publicity Secretary, but my hair appointment caused delays.

After several missed calls from him, I realized I wouldn’t make it in time. I advised him to leave without me, promising to catch up later.

I finally departed around 3 PM, heading to Onitsha South Park. As luck would have it, I was the last person remaining for the trip. I boarded the Sienna after double-checking my luggage, eager to begin this new chapter.

I made sure my bags were securely packed in the vehicle’s boot. I recalled a story about how my grandma’s luggage was mistakenly swapped for a trash bag during one of her travels, and I wanted to avoid that mishap. I kept asking the driver until he assured me everything was safe.

We started our journey, and I couldn’t help but think about the unusual rule that fuel is only purchased when leaving. We waited in a long queue at the filling station, and when it was our turn, the driver got out to pay while instructing the fuel attendant. After leaving the station, we began our journey in earnest. I led the prayer on the bus, and afterward, the ride was quite smooth. As boredom set in, I pulled out my laptop to watch a movie and switched on a timer to track how long I had been traveling.

About two hours into the journey, my phone rang—it was my Publicity Secretary checking in to see where I was and if they could wait for me at the UNIZIK junction. I assured him I was on my way. I was relieved someone was waiting, as I was already tired and wondering how I would locate the villa myself. I reminded the driver that I would get off at the University of Nnamdi Azikiwe (UNIZIK) junction, and after some time, he stopped and took out my luggage.

I had a difficult time finding my Publicity Secretary. I was asked to pay 50 naira to cross the road via a plank while someone helped me. I was surprised that I had to pay, but I did anyway. Finally, I located my PS, thinking that was the end of it. We then searched for where to catch a Keke heading to “Mgbakwu,” and we were directed by several people, making us walk over countless times. Eventually, we found a Keke and boarded it to the DDM villa.

Igwenome, Mary Makuo is Ebonyi State Assistant Publicity Secretary, COPDEM.

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