State Approves N26.9bn for Judges’ Quarters, CBT Centres

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a N25 billion project for the construction of residential quarters for judges as part of efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers across the state.

The approval was given during the State Executive Council meeting held in Owerri and chaired by the governor. The council also approved N1.9 billion for the establishment of four computer-based test (CBT) centres in Orlu Zone, alongside plans to introduce a smart digital signage system across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, disclosed the decisions while briefing journalists after the meeting.

According to him, the judges’ housing project will involve the construction of 40 duplexes with recreational facilities to provide a comfortable and secure living environment for judicial officers serving in the state.

The council also approved the establishment of four CBT centres to improve access to computer-based examinations, including those conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), for students in Orlu Zone.

Emelumba said the government had approved the immediate release of N900 million to begin work on two pilot CBT centres. The facilities will be located at Bishop Shanahan Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma, while the remaining centres will be developed later.

The Executive Council further approved the creation of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited, a company that will oversee the regulation and deployment of smart digital billboards through a public-private partnership arrangement.

Speaking on the digital projects, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Chimezie Amadi, said private investors would finance the smart signage initiative, meaning the state government would not bear the financial cost.

He explained that the project would make use of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology to build a modern digital signage system capable of improving outdoor advertising management and supporting the state’s digital transformation efforts.