Warri to Awka: How I scaled insecurity hurdles to attend COPDEM/DDM training

By Hon. IG Amaechi Okoro

Warri to Anambra:

on. IG Amaechi Okoro

The road to growth is never easy, as my recent journey from Warri, Delta State in Nigeria’s southern region, to Awka, Anambra State in the country’s eastern region, for a Media Training and Capacity Building program, clearly demonstrated.

Sponsored by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), the program offered free accommodation and meals, making it an opportunity I could not miss.

Despite reports of insecurity in the South-East, I was determined to attend and learn.

I set out early in the morning with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The initial part of the journey was smooth, but the road soon revealed its harsh realities.

In several places, massive potholes slowed us down, forcing drivers to navigate carefully to avoid damaging their vehicles.

At one point, a truck broke down right in the middle of the road, causing a long delay as vehicles squeezed past the narrow shoulder.

In another area, we had to carefully traverse a section of the road submerged under floodwater from the previous night’s downpour, making it difficult to see the road ahead.

Adding to these challenges were the river crossings. I crossed seven rivers, each with its unique dangers. Some bridges were barely holding together, while others had no protective railings, leaving us vulnerable to accidents.

Along the way, I saw stranded vehicles and passengers pushing through muddy stretches, their exhaustion palpable. The insecurity in the region added another layer of difficulty.

The route was dotted with military checkpoints and roadblocks, which offered some security but also heightened tension. At one checkpoint, there was a long queue of vehicles as officers conducted thorough inspections, further delaying our journey.

Suspicious individuals loitered near certain roadblocks, prompting me to stay alert and avoid unnecessary interactions.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally arrived in Awka, exhausted but relieved. Reflecting on the challenges I had overcome, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment.

The COPDEM Media Training and Capacity Building program proved invaluable, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to excel as the State Media and Publicity Secretary of COPDEM Delta State. This journey taught me the power of resilience and determination.

Against all odds, I persevered and emerged stronger, ready to serve and make a difference.

The program was an eye-opener, and I was impressed by the quality of the training and the expertise of the facilitators.

The sessions were engaging, informative, and interactive, providing a platform for participants to share their experiences and learn from one another.

I particularly appreciated the emphasis on media literacy, crisis communication, and conflict resolution, which are essential skills for effective media management.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of perseverance and adaptability.

The road to success is often fraught with challenges, but it is how we respond to these challenges that defines us. I am grateful for the experience and the lessons learned, and I look forward to applying them in my future endeavors.

As I settled into the program, I couldn’t help but think about the stark contrast between the rugged journey and the warmth of the people I met.

The facilitators, the participants, and even the locals I interacted with – everyone had a story to share, a smile to offer, and a willingness to listen. It was a powerful reminder that even in the toughest of times, humanity can thrive.

Looking back, I realize that the journey was never just about getting from Warri to Anambra.

It was about the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the stories I’ll carry with me for a long time. And as I reflect on the experience, I’m reminded of the wise words of a fellow participant: “The road may be rough, but the destination is always worth it.”

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