On Wednesday, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma announced the appointment of Mrs. Chikodi Emenalom as the new acting Head of Service for the State Civil Service. This appointment was made official through a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguwuike Nwachukwu. Emenalom takes over this role following the retirement of Barr. Raymond Ucheoma, signifying a new leadership phase within the civil service. Her appointment is seen as a significant move, as she brings along a wealth of experience garnered throughout her extensive career within the state’s civil service.
Chikodi Emenalom has a robust background in the public sector, having joined the Imo State Civil Service in 1990 as an Information Officer. Since then, she has accumulated a diverse range of experiences across various ministries. Her past roles include significant positions in the Ministry of Information, Finance, Agriculture, Women Affairs, and Special Duties. These experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the civil service’s operational framework as well as the challenges inherent to it. Emenalom was also a prominent figure in the National Association of Women Journalists in Imo State and held membership in both the National Institute and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
In terms of educational qualifications, Emenalom is a 1988 graduate of Linguistics from the old Imo State University in Okigwe. Her educational background combined with her professional experience culminated in her appointment as a Permanent Secretary in 2018, marking a significant milestone in her career. The transition to acting Head of Service is not just a promotion, but a recognition of her ability to lead and manage service delivery efficiently within the state.
During her career, Emenalom has also played a crucial role in communications, particularly highlighted during the 2020-2021 Coronavirus pandemic. She was appointed as the Imo State Communicator for a World Bank-Assisted programme that addressed COVID-19 management within the state. This assignment not only showcased her capability in handling public health communication but also demonstrated her adaptability and skill in crisis management. Her involvement in such high-stakes projects likely positions her well to handle the responsibilities of her new role.
Governor Uzodimma has urged Emenalom to leverage her extensive experience to effectively fulfill her duties as the Head of Service. He emphasized the importance of her leadership during a time when the civil service faces various challenges and opportunities for reform and modernization. Emenalom’s immediate transition into this role reflects the governor’s confidence in her abilities and his commitment to ensuring that the state’s civil service continues to operate efficiently and responsively.
In conclusion, Emenalom’s appointment as acting Head of Service marks a noteworthy step for the Imo State Civil Service under Governor Uzodimma’s administration. As she steps into this prominent role, the expectations are high for her to bring innovative strategies and improvements to the service, fostering a more effective and dynamic operational framework. Her comprehensive experience and previous leadership roles equip her to navigate the complexities of public service effectively, potentially setting a new standard for civil service leadership in the state.
