By CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI—Five members of Imo State Executive Council have been re-assigned to other ministries, while two new commissioners were appointed in a minor cabinet shake-up announced by Governor Rochas Okorocha on Wednesday.

Government similarly announced a N50 million donation towards the on-going renovation of Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, which the administration said it has adopted as one of the state monuments.

Confirming this development, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Obinna Duruji, said the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Chioma Ogoke, was moved to Housing and Urban Development.

Duruji equally said Chief Ejike Uche was moved to the Ministry of Public Utilities and Rural Development, while Mr. Ogueri Enwerem and Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu now takes charge of Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Special Duties respectively.

Okorocha equally nominated his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Uche Nwosu as Commissioner for Lands and the Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Nick Oparandudu as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Development.

“Mr. Nelso Ezerioha, who hitherto served as Commissioner for Transport and Special Duties, is now limited to everything relating to Transport, including Imo Air that would soon be inaugurated by the government,” Duruji said.

Explaining the donation of N50 million to Owerri Catholic Ecclesiastical Province for the renovation of the Cathedral, Duruji said government regards it as a monument for its symbolism and strategic location in the capital city.