How my wonderful trip to Anambra for COPDEM training succeeded amidst Insecurity

Austin Okoro

Obviously, my trip to Anambra state was memorable even in the midst of insecurity orchestrated by Biafra agitation.Coalition for the Protection Of Democracy COPDEM conducted a media capacity building workshop for its members which lasted for two weeks and I was privileged to be part of it.

When the opportunity for COPDEM media training was advertised, as a Journalist with flair for professionalism, I keyed into it and I was enlisted. That was how my travel from Owerri to Awka Anambra state on Sunday 24th November 2024 began. I navigated through the roads in a fully loaded Sienna bus through a lonely Owerri – Awka road to land in the evening of Sunday at Awka Anambra state after a three (3) hour long journey.

Tired and weak because of the long journey, I was ushered into a room occupied by one person in a two storey building, located at Ifechi close and known as DDM villa in Mgbakwu town Awka North Local government area of Anambra state.
Tired and about to rest, there was a knock on the door. Who is that? A man responded. “Come in” I said . And he he came in. “I am Dr Marshall Odede” he introduced himself as the programme coordinator and asked for our number. “Why do you want to take our numbers” I asked inquisitively. “You know your lectures starts tomorrow and I need to open a WhatsApp platform for you people” he said, nodding his head in affirmation. “Ok ! I replied, releasing the number to him in utmost excitement. My room mate did the same. ” I will get back to you,” he stated, moving towards the door for exit. “Good night …..good night sir, we responded.

Shortly after that he opened a WhatsApp platform and posted the time table for the lectures there. The time read that our lecture wouldl start the next morning being Monday, beginning from 9 AM and ends at 1 PM for an hour lunch break and to resume by 2PM to 5PM for the last session.

The next day being Monday we gathered in the hall arranged for the lecture. A crowd of media professionals from 36 states of Nigeria and Abuja converged for the lecture which started with a welcome address from the National President, Mr Rwang Pam Jr who gave us the history of the COPDEM, the missions and visions. He also assured of good welfare packages during our stay in Awka and after our training , we thanked him and he left; though it was through a zoom meeting.

Before the lecture started, a breakfast meal was served to all participants. The first lecturer drawn from the media background taught us what Journalism is and who is a Journalist. You can see the passion in his bone by the way he demonstrated his teaching to us. The second lecturer came after which we went for lunch. Mr Tony Eluemunor, a reknown Journalist in the country taught the historical perspective of Journalism as to give us the background of where we are going. The third and last lecturer came and by 6:00 PM we closed for the day. Our dinner was served and we went to bed.

It dragged the same way for two weeks and at the end of the programme a certificate was issued to us as an evidence of participation.

Though the issue of insecurity was mentioned but our stay at Anambra state was safe and enjoying. No harassment or intimidation of all kinds from Biafra agitators and we went back safely. The memory of that experience can not be easily eroded because of the impact it created in life.

The Awka environment was cool and lovely. Though the electricity supply was low but there was constant use of generator. The toilets were good and we were fed three times a day. We were treated with utmost respect by the organizers and the lecturers so we enjoyed ourselves. It was a trip to be forever remembered because of the knowledge we gathered that would better our lives.

The Diaspora Digital Media DDM the resource organization impacted great digital media knowledge that would enable us to excel in the media digitally . DDM is a media organization that has two online media platforms, the DDM and NewsBand. They are planning to open a television and radio stations within the DDM villa. It also has an academy for the training of media professionals.

Infact my journey to Awka in Anambra state was a very interesting one and life experience. DDM and COPDEM will be remembered for such great service to humanity.

My name is Austin Okoro, a Journalist and writes from Awka Anambra state, Nigeria.

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