GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma appoints Imo State immediate past CAN Chairman, Eches, Special Adviser

Governor Hope Uzodimma has named the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Divine Eches Divine as his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs.

His appointment took effect June 25, 2025.

Rev Eches was elected Chairman of CAN, Imo State in 2020, a position he relinquished this month following a successful hand over to a successor.

In the five years that Rev Eches held away as CAN boss in Imo State, he acquitted himself creditably, discharging his roles in ways that also brought accolades to him from his Superiors working in God’s vineyard, both within and outside.

Before Rev Eches became Chairman of CAN Imo State, he had held other key positions in the organisation such as Secretary; Director of Education, Youth and Women Development; Deputy Publicity Secretary; among others.

A strong member of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) ministry, Rev Eches holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology, and was at different times, Chaplain of Enyimba Football Club, Aba and Super Eagles of Nigeria

He hails from Isiala Mbano in Imo State.

In congratulating Rev Eches in his new role, Governor Uzodimma expects that he will bring his wealth of experience, not just to serve Imo State well, but to deploy same in ensuring that the society is a better place for all.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor
June 27, 2025.

The Imo State Government’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit has given the Garden Park Business Centre in Owerri a 24-hour ultimatum to desilt and clean the drainage system around its premises.

According to a government notice dated June 28, 2025, the drainage system was found to be completely blocked due to negligence and poor sanitation maintenance over six months.

Key Points : Blocked Drainage : The drainage system is blocked by overgrown weeds, debris, and silt, causing consistent flooding during rainfall.

Health Risks : The blockage poses serious health risks and contributes to infrastructural deterioration.

Ultimatum: The management has 24 hours to comply with the directive, failing which the premises will be sealed without further notice.

Government’s Stance: The Imo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma, will not tolerate environmental sabotage or public health endangerment due to negligence.

This development is part of the government’s efforts to enforce environmental regulations and ensure civic responsibility among businesses in Imo State.

Similar actions have been taken in the past, such as the demolition of structures in the Central Market Layout, which was met with a court injunction.

The Nigerian Government has announced plans to review its healthcare policy for civil servants.

It stated that a more responsive and up-to-date framework is necessary, given the rising cost of drugs and persistent gaps in the delivery of healthcare services.

This disclosure was made during a free medical screening exercise for civil servants in Abuja, held as part of activities marking the 2025 Civil Service Week.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, underscored the importance of prioritising the health of workers, particularly in light of the demands placed upon them.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Walson-Jack emphasised that sound health not only reduces medical expenses but also enhances productivity.

“Health is wealth. Anyone with good health will spend less on hospital visits and contribute more effectively to their job,” Oyekunle noted, expressing satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the screening exercise, including the prompt delivery of test results and administration of medication.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by some workers under the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA scheme—especially in accessing medicines and quality care—she called for urgent policy reforms.

“We need to revisit the existing healthcare policy framework. The current one is outdated and does not reflect today’s realities, especially with soaring drug costs,” she said.

Civil servants who took part in the exercise shared positive experiences. Azeez Champion described the process as well-organised, despite the high turnout, and urged colleagues to take advantage of such opportunities for regular health checks.

“We’ve lost many colleagues due to health issues that could have been detected early. Health is wealth,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Eneh Benedict, revealed that her test results had just confirmed high blood pressure—an ailment she had been unaware of.

“I’m glad I came. I’ve already started treatment and I feel better,” she said, praising the initiative and appealing for its continuation.

Dr Longbap Dinfa, Assistant Director at the Wellness Centre in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, explained that the initiative included a broad range of medical tests, covering hepatitis B and C, malaria, typhoid, diabetes, and blood pressure.

“We identified several undiagnosed conditions, including hepatitis, peptic ulcer, and malaria-typhoid infections. One woman who collapsed on Sunday was treated immediately and is now stable,” he revealed.

Dr Dinfa added that more serious cases had been referred to the National Hospital for specialist care, and he encouraged civil servants to incorporate routine health checks into their regular lifestyles.