The Imo State Government has approved the construction of a ₦25 billion residential estate for judges and inaugurated Longers Anyanwu as Commissioner for Agriculture following decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday, July 20, 2026.
The approvals were announced after the Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Owerri, by Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, who said the administration was taking deliberate steps to strengthen the state’s judiciary while expanding critical infrastructure and public service delivery.
Emelumba disclosed that the council approved ₦25 billion for the construction of new judges’ quarters comprising 40 standard duplexes with recreational facilities designed to provide a more conducive environment for judicial officers.
He said the project underscores the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of judges and enhancing the administration of justice in the state.
According to Emelumba, the approval was informed by the need to provide “a conducive environment for judges to operate in the state.”
The commissioner further announced that the Executive Council approved ₦1.9 billion for the establishment of four Computer-Based Test centres in Orlu Zone to improve access for candidates writing examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
He disclosed that ₦900 million had been approved for immediate release to commence work at the pilot centres located at Bishop Shanahan Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.
Emelumba also revealed that the council approved the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited, a public-private partnership initiative aimed at regulating outdoor advertising and deploying smart digital billboards across the state.
Providing further insight into the project, Commissioner for Digital Economy Chimezie Amadi said private investors would finance the initiative without imposing any financial burden on the state government.
According to Amadi, the project would be funded “at no cost to the Imo State Government,” adding that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled infrastructure would drive a modern and digitally managed signage ecosystem.
The Executive Council also directed immediate intervention to tackle erosion threatening communities in parts of the state, although details of the affected locations and funding were not disclosed.
During the meeting, Uzodimma administered the oath of office to Longers Anyanwu, who was sworn in as the new Commissioner for Agriculture.
Responding after taking the oath, Anyanwu expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s programmes.
He thanked the governor for “finding him worthy to join the league of the APC winning team in the state” and promised to “key into the programmes of the government and make contributions that will be impactful to the people of Imo State.”