COPDEM-DDM: A beacon of hope for Nigerian Democracy — By Darlington Onwukaike
The Coalition for Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (COPDEM) is an International Pro-Democracy Organisation formed by different support groups that championed good governance in Nigeria which became prominent during the Nigerian 2023 general election.
COPDEM has helped Nigerians in diverse ways including the promotion and celebration of individuals who distinguished themselves in leadership positions, distribution of various palliative materials in support of the harsh economic situation, skill acquisition training to reduce the ravaging unemployment, scholarship programmes for students of different academic levels, etc.
Recognizing the role of media in stepping up the fight for good governance, some of the members came together to establish an International Media Organisation, the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).
As a way of enhancing the efficiency of it’s officials, COPDEM sponsored a capacity building training workshop on leadership, journalism and digital media for some of the national officers and all the publicity secretaries in the 36 states of the Federation, including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The capacity building workshop was hosted at the Media Academy of the organisation, the DDM Villa, Mgbakwu; Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The participants numbering over 40, spread across all States of Nigeria including Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Edo, Delta, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Cross River, Ebony, Enugu, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The programme which was declared open by the COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Rwam Pam Jnr was highly packed with theoretical and practical lectures delivered by seasoned leaders and veteran journalists including Mr Tony Eluemunor, Mr Nicholas Uwerunonye, Mr Tim Elombah, Mrs Kaneng Rwam-Pam; and renowned software engineers, Mr Joseph Mmadubuike and Kodili Ejiofor.
It is interesting to note that all the participants including the resource persons and the facilitators, were freely and adequately cared for in terms of their transportation tro and fro to their different destinations. They were also lodged in a security tight and comfortable accommodation, and were fed very well.
Unanimously, the participants lacked words to express their experiences in the programme. In attempt to describe it during a random interview, different words and phrases such as “exceptional, unforgettable, exhilarating, thrilling, amazing, stunning, spectacular, breath-taking, electrifying, phenomenal, mind-blowing, life-changing, inspiring, uplifting, euphoric, blissful, enthralling, captivating, memorable, outstanding”; as well as “once-in-a-lifetime experience, out of this world, beyond my wildest dreams, truly unforgettable, an experience I’ll always treasure” were used by individuals in painting the picture.
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During this period, some prominent community leaders and advocates of good governance visited the Villa with enthusiasm and applauded the organization for the impactful venture. Prominent among them is a seasoned journalist; a one-time chief of staff to former Governor Peter Obi, a writer, and a publisher, Mr Chuks Iwuegbunam.
It is worthy of note that the programme which the participants were issued a certification on completion was fully sponsored by the organisation through their Board of Directors.
Another significant experience that caught my attention is the selfless service which was rendered by Mr Tim Elombah and his family, as testified by each of the participants during their individual and group discussions.
Mrs Stella Elombah whom I can only describe as a woman with heart of gold and an embodiment of warmth and kindness, was a blessing to all of us. She prepared and made sure that the sumptuous meals were delivered on time.
In conclusion, COPDEM/DDM; a progress partner, synergy squad which has played a very paramount role in calling for good governance in Nigeria, has become a force to reckon with.
