Abia 2023: Ikonne introduces digital campaigning, recruits youths
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
In his determination to drive his campaigns with modern communications trends, the Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, has setup a digital campaign office.
The Professor of Optometry and former Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, has, as part of his smart campaign strategy for his 2023 governorship campaigns, equipped an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Hall complete with communication equipment with over 100 computers in his campaign secretariat located at Onyerubi Close, by Danijoy International Schools, off Secretariat Road, Umuahia, capital of Abia State.
The computers can be used to engage and interact with people directly, even those residing in the rural areas. The Oracle Today learnt using the computer, one of the IT expert was able to interact with over 300 Abians in a matter of hours.
Addressing guests and supporters during the recruitment exercise to employ over 100 Information Technology (IT) graduates to man the Digital Campaign Office of Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organisation, Prof. Ikonne explained that his aim of going into digital campaigning and data gathering was to provide employment for Abia youths and equally give them the opportunity to be part of the plan to determine their future.
Over 500 applicants from all the local governments in the state came for the recruitment exercise, while a team of ICT professionals were on hand to conduct Computer Based Test (CBT) and oral test for successful applicants. At the end of the exercise, each applicant was given N2, 000 for logistics.
Prof. Ikonne further explained that the unit would be dedicated to segmenting the database of every community in order to target the specific needs of individuals, communities and Local Government Areas.
He noted that the result of the data analysis would enable his Campaign outfit to deliver targeted messages and also work for each community based on their needs, if elected.
He also explained that the unit would trade in the packaging of information and how well it would resonate with the electorate, adding that the data collected would enable the Campaign organisation to build a proposition for the voters and also understand their specific needs and work toward solving them.
Speaking in an interview, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Barr. Okey Igwe, said the setting up of the Digital Unit of the campaign organisation was an indication that his principal was a man of great vision.
“The digital workstation gives you a bird’s eye view of his (Prof.Ikonne) 21st century mindset. We are bringing digital revolution to Abia State,” said Hon. Igwe, currently the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.
He said that with the digital centre, it would be easy to identify the problems of the state, particularly, that of the economy because “the economy is everything,” and providing solutions to them.
Recall that Prof. Ikonne had earlier revealed that if elected, he would run a smart Abia, with youths constituting 40 per cent of his administration.
Some of the applicants who spoke to newsmen expressed their joy over the entire exercise, stressing that contrary to the propaganda initially raised by opposition elements to discourage qualified Abians from being part of the process, the entire recruitment process was transparent.
They added that Abia needs a modern leader conversant with the challenges and promises of its youthful population, one who has a clear idea of how the potentials of the youths should be harnessed, and Professor Ikonne has proven to be that leader.
It is on record that over the years, Prof. Ikonne’s direct involvement has attracted global tech investments in the state, and his passion for the youths has driven many government-led youth development initiatives and programmes.
