•As Uzodimma inaugurates new commissioner

The Imo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved projects worth about N26.9 billion, including the construction of judges’ quarters, new computer-based test (CBT) centres and a smart digital signage initiative aimed at modernising infrastructure across the State.

Briefing Government House Correspondents after the Council meeting held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at the New EXCO Chambers, Government House Owerri, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, explained that a Chief Longers Anyanwu was sworn in as Commissioner by Governor Hope Uzodimma and assigned the agriculture portfolio, succeeding Chief Cosmos Maduba.

Emelumba further disclosed that EXCO approved N25 billion for the construction of 40 duplexes as judges’ quarters, complete with recreational facilities. “The project is designed to provide a conducive living environment for judicial officers,” he said.

He also briefed that the Council approved N1.9 billion for the establishment of four CBT centres in Oru Zone to improve access to JAMB and other computer-based examinations, noting that N900 million would be released immediately to commence work at pilot centres in Bishop Shanahan Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.

The Council, he said further approved the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited to regulate and deploy smart digital billboards through a public-private partnership.

Elucidating on the CBT centres and the smart digital signage, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the initiative would be financed by private investors “at no cost to the Imo State Government,” adding that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled infrastructure would support a modern, digitally managed signage ecosystem.

EXCO also directed immediate action to curb the erosion threatening the Otamiri River.

Responding after his swearing in as a Commissioner, Chief Longiers Anyanwu thanked the Governor for finding him worthy to join the league of the APC winning team in the State and pledged to key into the programme of the government and make contributions that will be impactful to Imo people.

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