Revd Divine Eches (PhD) has been elected the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Imo State chapter.
Eches, won in a free, fair, and transparent election under the watch of great men of God and Bishops in Imo State which included Bishop Godson Ukanwa, Bishop Maxwell Korie, Bishop Titus Akanavu, representatives of Arch Bishop Anthony Obinna, Bishop Dennis Marks who represented the National President of CAN, Bishop Gordy Okafor, amongst others.
The election held at the CAN state headquarters, Owerri under tight security on Tuesday, May 19.
Eches polled 70 votes while Apostle Onumajuru polled 15 votes.
Until his election, he was the State Secretary of CAN.
A graduate of Theology, Revd Eches holds an international Diploma in Theology from Faith Institute of Theology, Greenville, South Carolina; a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Cornerstone Theological Seminary of Nigeria.
He also holds a Masters degree, and a PhD in Theology from the same institution.
Revd Eches who hails from Umuluwe, in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State was born on April 29, 1975.
He was ordained a Reverend by the ECWA Church where he still serves till date.
He has served as Chaplain for the celebrated Super Eagles from 2009 – 2013 during which he and the players lifted the coveted Nations Cup Trophy in South Africa.
He has served in CAN in different capacities which include as Chairman for Umuahia North local government area in Abia state.
Others were as State Chairman of Imo YOWICAN, the youth wing of CAN; as well as a two timed member of CAN South East YOWICAN.
Further, he served as the Deputy Public Relations Officer of CAN, having earned the trust of revered leaders of the Church even as a youth minister.
A widely travelled Minister, dependable, and prayerful man, Revd Eches was the Imo State representative for the Niger Delta Christian Leaders Forum from 2007 – 2010;
He was a bloc leader of TEKWA/ECWA youth fellowship in the south east; as well as for Owerri Municipal.
Revd Eches, considered calm and calculated was also a member of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) from 2008 to 2010 where he helped to foster tolerance between Christians and Muslims in the country.
He also served as South East Youth CAN Chairman from 2008 to 2012.
Eches who is married to Mrs Esther Eberechi Eches, with four awesome children, has served in different capacities in the Church and State, all aimed at a vibrant and effective Church in Imo State and Nigeria by extension, is a seasoned minister who balances spirituality with respect for leaders.
Known for improvement of Christians, Revd Eches has contributed in no small measure to the growth of peaceful coexistence even as far as the northern states.
Currently, he serves as the Shepherd over ECWA Church, world bank in new Owerri.
The soft talking but fiery Minister has distinguished himself among Church leaders and even politicians who reach out to him, to draw from his vast knowledge of issues affecting humanity.
Revd Eches is also an active minister on the pulpit as he balances his different roles as a Church leader and administrator.
He takes over from Revd (Dr) Samuel Ibeji, who completed his tenure on Monday.
