Imo Government Approves ₦26.9bn Projects for Judges Quarters, CBT Centres, Digital Signage

The Imo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved projects estimated at ₦26.9 billion, including the construction of judges quarters, establishment of computer-based test (CBT) centres and the creation of a smart digital signage initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and technology deployment across the state.

The approvals were announced on Monday after the EXCO meeting held at the New EXCO Chambers, Government House, Owerri, where government officials also disclosed the inauguration of a new Commissioner for Agriculture.

Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said Governor Hope Uzodimma had sworn in Chief Longiers Anyanwu as the new Commissioner for Agriculture.

Anyanwu takes over from Chief Cosmos Maduba, who previously occupied the position.

Emelumba explained that the council approved ₦25 billion for the construction of 40 duplexes as residential quarters for judges, including recreational facilities designed to provide a more conducive living environment for judicial officers.

According to him, the project forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen infrastructure supporting key institutions in the state.

The commissioner also announced the approval of ₦1.9 billion for the establishment of four computer-based test centres in Oru Zone to expand access to digital examinations, including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations and other computer-based assessments.

He said the government would immediately release ₦900 million to begin construction work at two pilot locations, Bishop Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.

The initiative, according to the government, is expected to reduce challenges faced by students and examination candidates who often travel long distances in search of accredited CBT facilities.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the EXCO meeting also approved the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited, a platform designed to regulate and manage smart digital billboards across the state through a public-private partnership arrangement.

Commissioner for Digital Economy, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the project would be financed by private investors and would come at no direct cost to the Imo State Government.

He explained that the initiative would deploy Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled infrastructure to create a modern digital signage ecosystem capable of supporting better urban management and technology-driven advertising solutions.

The state government also directed immediate intervention measures to address erosion threats affecting the Otamiri River, as part of efforts to protect communities and prevent further environmental damage.

Speaking after his inauguration, the new Agriculture Commissioner, Chief Longiers Anyanwu, expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for appointing him into the state cabinet.

He pledged to support the administration’s development programmes and contribute meaningfully to policies aimed at improving the lives of Imo residents.

The latest approvals come as the Uzodimma administration continues to emphasise infrastructure expansion, digital transformation and institutional development as key areas of focus for the state.