ln Alvin Toffler’s famous quote, he asserts that: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) and Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) must have taken a cue from the words of Toffler that enabled the organization and sponsorship of a capacity building workshop for COPDEM State Publicity Secretaries.
Indeed, the workshop was facilitated by DDM being the training institute and took place between Monday, 25th November and Friday, 6th December 2024.
The workshop objectives were essentially targeted at developing the human capital of COPDEM publicity secretaries on journalism, leadership and digital media.
It was no doubt a captivating time for both facilitators and participants.
Their varying experiences regarding the workshop are captured below.
A facilitator in person of Madam Kaneng Rwang-Pam writes thus:
‘’It was a privilege to interact with such an intelligent, resourceful, and driven group of COPDEM chapter officials from across Nigeria.
Your insightful contributions during the sessions on journalism, leadership, and digital media showed a deep commitment to using media as a force for positive change.
You exemplify the very best of grassroots leadership in action.
Your collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie made this workshop an environment of learning and growth Your collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie made this workshop an environment of learning and growth for facilitators and participants alike.
The energy in the room as we explored investigative journalism, anti-corruption programming, business content development, social media management, specialized reporting (sports, biz, politics), balance of power, photojournalism, digital media strategies, and SEO techniques among many others was nothing short of electric! for facilitators and participants alike.
The energy in the room as we explored investigative journalism, anti-corruption programming, business content development, social media management, specialized reporting (sports, biz, politics), balance of power, photojournalism, digital media strategies, and SEO techniques among many others was nothing short of electric!’’
Some participants responded to the expressions of Madam Kaneng as follows:
Good day dearly beloved Madam kaneng, permit me to say a big thank you to your good self.
What an incredible, amazing, wonderful unforgettable moments we had with you.
Your style of knowledge impartation was second to none, actually really electrifying no dull moments.
Never was there a time anyone dosed while you lead us graciously through the sessions allotted to you, to impart us.
Thanks so much once again. The Lord blesses you good now and always.
Pastor Godson Oledibe from Imo State
May the source continue to be with you now and always and may your well never run dry! You have done us a huge good!
Posterity will forever remember the moments you have shared with us! Keep excelling! The sky is your starting point!
Joshua Ugbo from Cross River State
Wow, what an incredible experience! We are deeply grateful for the time we spent with you ma.
Your impact on us has been profound, imparting valuable knowledge, courage, and discipline that will empower us to conquer new challenges. We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our instructors, coordinators, and sponsors for making this experience possible.
Chukwu Gift from Enugu State.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from you and to have benefited from your vast experience, ma’am! Keep shining and stay blessed!
Afolabi Idowu from Ekiti State
I am deeply grateful to you, ma. Your inspiration and impact have been truly remarkable. Thank you for all that you did, and I wish you continued success and happiness. My sincere gratitude extends to you and your entire family.
I would also like to express my appreciation to all the instructors who have taken the time to inspire and guide us in various aspects of journalism, content creation, videography, and more. Your dedication and expertise have been invaluable to us.
May the Almighty God continue to bless, strengthen, and preserve you in all directions of life. May His divine favour and protection be upon you always. Amen.
Chukwu Martha from Enugu State.
Some participants’ experiences concerning COPDEM-DDM capacity building workshop
First and foremost, I want to appreciate the organizers of the training, the CEO of DDM and the BOT of COPDEM for this wonderful and amazing generosity in this time and season.
The training was heavily intensive, with seasoned resource persons in the field, great Journalists of note, great industry consultants.
It was marvellously incredible. This training made me feel like, I have been in the industry for a long time.
No stone was left unturned in their efforts to impart us, let me say that they were trying to fill us with all they have gathered over the years.
I am left with the feeling that I am the Deputy State Chairman of COPDEM not by designation but in standing with her to excel and make COPDEM great in the achievement of its aims and objectives. This training has given me the capacity to do this.
Pastor Godson Oledibe from Imo State
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for the exceptional training and guidance provided during the recent workshop at Awka.
Your expertise, passion, and dedication to sharing knowledge were evident throughout the sessions.
Your lectures were engaging, informative, and thought-provoking, making the learning experience truly enriching (You are all Gurus).
Thank you for your tireless efforts in equipping us with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in our respective fields.
Your contributions to our growth and development are invaluable.
Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your outstanding instruction and mentorship.
Ibraheemalfa Abdulrasheed from Kwara State
The COPDEM-DDM media training and capacity building workshop exposed me to the ethics of journalism, composure of a compelling story telling techniques and it also re-ignited my zeal for writing.
I also garnered the necessary skills required for achieving effective democracy and good governance to mention a few. Thanks to the sponsors of this impactful exercise for it availed me the privilege for growth & capacity development.
Nwosu Obiora from Anambra State
Media training has equipped me with essential skills in effective communication and public speaking, enhancing my ability to convey messages clearly.
I have learned to apply journalistic techniques like the five W’s and one H to ensure comprehensive storytelling.
It was really an impactful experience of growth and cooperation.
Thanks for grooming me!
Igwenomeh Mary Makuo from Ebonyi State
The COPDEM-DDM capacity building workshop was a very insightful experience. It gave me practical knowledge about promoting democracy and good governance, and the interactive sessions helped me better understand strategic planning and community engagement.
I look forward to adding my knowledge and experience to COPDEM-DDM.
Dr. Marshall Odede from Edo State
The COPDEM-DDM capacity building workshop was very impactful, equipping me with valuable knowledge and skills that will enhance my contributions to societal development.
I deeply appreciate the Board of Trustees (BOT) for this exceptional opportunity.
Hon. IG Amaechi Okoro from Delta State.
It was challenging as I was taught valuable skills for community impact
Afolabi Idowu Olaiya from Ekiti State
I had a life-changing encounter in Awka, Anambra State where I gained invaluable knowledge, bonds with amazing individuals, and discovered a new sense of purpose, blending my unique perspective.
Kusa Faruk from Plateau State
It was really an impactful experience here in Awka, Anambra state, cooperation between individuals, Love, practicals, lectures, etc.
It was really amazing being a participant!
Nnenyere Michealyn Ezinne
I had an amazing experience in Awka, Anambra State, enjoying the lectures, practicals, meeting incredible people, and embracing a promising partnership.
Kayode James from Bauchi State
My stay in Awka for the period of two weeks now has helped me to unlearn and learn. It was all encompassing.
Ugbo Joshua Okori
The COPDEM-DDM capacity building workshop was extremely informative and practical, providing me with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance my understanding of disaster, risk-reduction and management. Hands-on activities and case studies that were used to reinforce key concepts are well appreciated.
Olaniran Babatunde from Osun State
I learnt teamwork by learning to work with other tribes than my own effectively without stress.
I also learnt that with focus, objectivity, teamwork and positive mentality we can change bad governance in Nigeria and globally.
I came, built media capacity and enhanced leadership skills in Anambra.
Okoro Austin
It was professional and well-articulated
Hon. Bulus Johnson Yakubu from Nasarawa State
In conclusion, on behalf of the participants; I would like to appreciate the Board of Trustees of COPDEM, COPDEM National Executive Council and Secretariat, management and members of staff, DDM, facilitators and participants for making the workshop a success.
Indeed, Nelson Mandela was no doubt right when he famously opined that: ‘’Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’’
Going by the experiences shared, COPDEM and DDM can be adjudged to be deploying the weapon of education rightly.
Olusola Oladipo is the Chairman, COPDEM National Media Committee.