By Peace Udugba
The Imo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved projects worth approximately N26.9 billion to strengthen the state’s infrastructure, judiciary, education and digital economy.
The approvals were made during the Council meeting held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the New EXCO Chambers, Government House, Owerri.
Briefing Government House correspondents after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, announced that Governor Hope Uzodimma also swore in Chief Longers Anyanwu as a commissioner and assigned him the Ministry of Agriculture, succeeding Chief Cosmos Maduba.
Emelumba disclosed that EXCO approved N25 billion for the construction of 40 duplexes to serve as official quarters for judges. The project will include recreational facilities to provide a conducive and secure living environment for judicial officers.
The Council also approved N1.9 billion for the establishment of four Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in the Oru Zone to improve access to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations and other computer-based assessments.
According to the commissioner, an initial N900 million will be released immediately to commence work on two pilot centres at Bishop Shanahan Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.
In a move to modernise outdoor advertising and improve urban management, EXCO approved the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited, which will regulate and deploy smart digital billboards across the state through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Providing further details, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the digital signage initiative would be financed entirely by private investors, ensuring no financial burden on the state government.
He explained that the project would leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create a modern, digitally managed signage ecosystem capable of improving advertising regulation, revenue generation and urban aesthetics.
The Executive Council also directed immediate intervention to address the severe erosion threatening communities around the Otamiri River.
Speaking after taking the oath of office, Chief Longers Anyanwu expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for the opportunity to serve. He pledged to align with the administration’s vision and contribute meaningfully to policies and programmes that would improve the lives of the people of Imo State.
