Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved ₦25 billion for the construction of 40 duplexes and recreational facilities for judges as part of measures to improve the welfare and living conditions of judicial officers in the state.
The governor also approved ₦1.9 billion for the establishment of four computer-based test centres in the Orlu Zone, alongside a smart digital signage initiative intended to modernise infrastructure across the state.
The approvals were announced on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Uzodimma in Owerri.
Emelumba said the proposed judges’ quarters would comprise 40 duplexes equipped with recreational facilities to provide judicial officers with a secure and conducive residential environment.
“The Council approved ₦25 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.
The commissioner disclosed that the council also approved the establishment of four CBT centres in the Orlu Zone to improve residents’ access to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examinations and other computer-based assessments.
According to him, ₦900 million would be released immediately for the commencement of work at two pilot centres located at Bishop Shanahan Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.
The remaining two centres are expected to be developed under the broader ₦1.9 billion allocation approved by the council.
Emelumba further announced the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited, a company that will regulate and facilitate the deployment of smart digital billboards across the state through a public-private partnership arrangement.
The Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Chimezie Amadi, said the signage project would be financed by private investors without any financial commitment from the Imo State Government.
Amadi explained that the initiative would use Internet of Things-enabled infrastructure to create a modern, digitally managed signage system.
He said the project would be implemented “at no cost to the Imo State Government” and would support improved regulation, monitoring and management of outdoor advertising assets across the state.
The government said the approved projects form part of its wider efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers, expand access to digital examination facilities and modernise public infrastructure in Imo State.