Uzodimma Authorizes N25bn Judges’ Quarters, CBT Centres In Imo

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the construction of 40 duplexes worth N25 billion for judges in the state as part of efforts to improve the welfare and living conditions of judicial officers.

The governor also approved N1.9 billion for the establishment of four Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Orlu Zone, alongside the creation of a smart digital signage system aimed at accelerating the state’s digital transformation.

The approvals were announced on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor in Owerri.

According to Emelumba, the council approved the construction of judges’ quarters comprising 40 duplexes equipped with recreational facilities to provide a comfortable and secure residential environment for judicial officers.

“The Council 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.

The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the establishment of four new Computer-Based Test centres and a smart digital signage initiative to strengthen educational infrastructure and modernise the state’s outdoor advertising system.

He explained that the N1.9 billion earmarked for the CBT centres would improve access to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations and other computer-based assessments across Orlu Zone.

Emelumba added that the state government had approved the immediate release of N900 million to commence work on two pilot centres located at Bishop Shanahan Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.

He further announced the approval for the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited, a special purpose vehicle that will oversee the regulation and deployment of smart digital billboards through a public-private partnership arrangement.

Speaking on the digital infrastructure projects, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Chimezie Amadi, said the signage initiative would be fully financed by private investors, with no financial obligation on the state government.

According to Amadi, the project would deploy Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology to create a modern, digitally managed signage ecosystem capable of improving urban management and outdoor advertising across the state.