The influence of ICT and social media on elections in this current age and generation can never be over emphasized and candidates and parties who either ignored or paid lip service to it have always come out praying for a second chance. It was in view of this growing impact of social media that the Imo State PDP New Media directorate under the charismatic leadership of its DG, AIC Akwarandu organized its first ever seminar/workshop under the theme GOVERNANCE AND POLITICS IN THE AGE OF NEW MEDIA AND BRANDING.
The event which was declared open by the state chairman of the party Barr. Charles Ezekwem had in attendance Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Hon. Damian Oparah, the state publicity secretary of the party, Engr. Kingsley Onwuiko, who sponsored the event, and the entire state Exco of the party and its Ex Officio.
In his speech, Barr Ezekwem said Imo PDP was poised to take back governance of the state and has learnt their mistakes from the past. He said the era of imposition of candidates were over as all aspirants across board will be given a level playing field at the primary elections set to commence soon. He acknowledged that PDP in the state is now more united as all members are ready to work together to achieve their common goal
Hon. Oparah who also doubled as the chairman of the occasion tasked the social media team of the party to play by the rules and engage all the aspirants equally. He reiterated the growing influence of social media and urged all to harness the opportunities therein.
The lecture series was kicked off by Comrade Phils Thomas who spoke on “Converting Social Media Engagements To Votes Using Data Driven Strategies”. Uwakwe Martin spoke on “Creating Viral Contents” while Victor Bella spoke on “Social Media Management Tools”.
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of The House of Representative and Guber aspirant addressed the gathering and spoke on his vision and drive to take the state from the dungeon it us presently to a place where all Imolites will be proud of. He said he doesn’t want people to support his guber bid because they are his brothers or sisters but because they know he has the capacity to deliver. He stressed on the need for grass root development and active youth participation and inclusion in governance.
