The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has indicated strong interest to partner Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) on capacity building in areas of information technology, journalism, leadership, digital media and other areas.
According to the media agency, this comes after a meeting held between UNDP representative, Mr. Chukwuka Zikora, and the management of DDM at DDM Villa, Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The meeting followed the recently held “Capacity Building Workshop on Journalism, Leadership and Digital Media for the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) State Publicity Secretaries and DDM personnel“.
It marked a huge step toward fostering innovation and growth in Awka North when DDM team welcomed Mr. Chukwuka for a productive meeting and facility tour.
Chukwuka, it could be noted, is the project manager with the southeast talent management company, LM Tech Hub, supporting the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) program in the southeast
During the visit, the DDM team outlined their ambitious vision of becoming the “Al Jazeera of Africa”, a goal that resonated strongly with the representative.
Chukwuka was told that when it finally and fully takes off, the DDM Media project will include television (already in partial operation) and radio stations.
It will also include a print and online newspaper and newsmagazine and an academy (all already in partial operations).
Currently, DDM Films is incubating and will soon start hatching locally produced movies to tell Africa’s stories.
Finally, it will be marked by a tech hub that will churn out series of tech engineering wares and ideas.
On his part, Chukwuka expressed strong admiration for the company’s efforts and pledged to keep DDM informed on emerging opportunities within the tech ecosystem.
As part of this collaboration, he quickly facilitated a connection with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of Anambra State Polytechnic in Awka.
Impressed by DDM’s capabilities, the UNDP representative acknowledged the company as a critical player in the region.
He highlighted its already unique position as the largest tech hub in Awka North Local Government Area.
He further committed to projecting DDM as the focal point for UNDP fellows in the area, further solidifying its role in regional development.
The meeting included discussions on the skills required to drive DDM’s growth.
The representative assured support in sourcing for talents in various fields that will come handy in the Awka region.
Chukwuka, however, clarified that the fellows, though equipped with foundational training from UNDP, are not experts.
He stressed the importance of providing these individuals with hands-on experience and integrating them into DDM workforce as valued team members.
Speaking on behalf of DDM, the General Manager, Mr. Tim Elo, expressed gratitude for the representative’s visit and the possibilities it unlocks.
“This collaboration has the potential to elevate both DDM and Awka North’s tech ecosystem,” he noted.
The DDM resource person, Mr. Tobechukwu Mmadubuike, popularly known in Tech circle as Kwechiri, hailed Chukwuma for his well-timed visit.
The ecstatic Mr. Mmadubuike stressed that with the expected collaboration between UNDP and DDM, a new dawn is about to be witnessed in Awka.
The UNDP representative, equally pleased with the engagement, emphasized that such partnerships are key to sustainable development in the region.
With this new partnership on the horizon, DDM is poised to strengthen its position as a tech leader and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Presently, DDM has successfully completed three cohorts wherein dozens of participants graduated.
Cohort Four is expected to kick off on January 6, 2025, at the DDM Villa venue.
Interested applicants in the DDM Scholarship Program for Cohort 4 are encouraged to register on the DDM website.
Those applying for internships are also enjoined to complete the registration for the DDM Tech Hub.
Well-spirited individuals are also encouraged to sponsor their interested children/wards if, for some reasons, they could not participate.
