| Imo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| — State — | |||
| Imo State | |||
|
|||
| Nickname(s): Eastern Heartland | |||
 |
|||
| Country |  Nigeria |
||
| Created | 3 February 1976 | ||
| Capital | Owerri | ||
| Government | |||
| • Governor | Hope Uzodinma (APC) | ||
| • Deputy Governor | Placid Njoku | ||
| • Senators | Ezenwa Onyewuchi Rochas Okorocha Vacant |
||
| • Representatives | Elezianya Henry Nwawuba Ugonna Ozuruigbo |
||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 5,530 km2 (2,140 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | Ranked 34th | ||
| Population (2017 est.)[2]1 | |||
| • Total | 4,927,563[1] | ||
| • Estimate () | 4,978,758 | ||
| • Rank | 13th of 36 | ||
| Demonym | Imoite | ||
| GDP (PPP) | |||
| • Year | 2007 | ||
| • Total | $14.21 billion[3] | ||
| • Per capita | $3,527[3] | ||
| Time zone | WAT (UTC+01) | ||
| postal code | 460001 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | NG-IM | ||
| HDI (2018) | 0.643[4] medium · 5th of 37 |
||
| ^1 Preliminary results | |||
Imo State is one of the 36 States of Nigeria, located in the southeast region of the country. Formed in 1976 when it split from the former East-Central State, Imo State is bordered by Abia State on the east, Delta State to the West, Anambra State on the north, and Rivers State to the south. The state capital, Owerri, is often described as the entertainment capital of Nigeria.[5]
Imo State is a predominantly Igbo speaking state, with Igbo people constituting an estimated 98% of the state population.[6] During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), the present day borders of Imo State were part of the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state formed by Igbo nationalists. Secessionist sentiment remains commonplace in modern Imo State, with the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) being headquartered in the district of Okigwe.[7]
Ranked 34th out of 36 states in area, Imo State occupies the area between the lower River Niger and the upper and middle Imo River. The state economy is highly dependent on agricultural production, especially the production of palm oil, which a majority of citizens rely on for cooking.[8][9]
Location[]
Imo State is bordered by Abia State on the East, River Niger and Delta State to the West, Anambra State on the North and Rivers State to the South.[10] The state lies within latitudes 4°45'N and 7°15'N, and longitude 6°50'E and 7°25'E with an area of around 5,100 sq km.[11]
Economy[]
The economy of the state depends primarily on agriculture and commerce. One of the primary agricultural production is the production of palm oil.
Rivers and lakes[]
The Orashi River has its source in Imo State (named after a powerful Nigerian family with the family name Imo). Imo River, being the major river in the state, drains through Abia State, where it is joined by Aba River from the north, and Akwa Ibom State into the Atlantic Ocean. Otamiri River and its 9.2 km length tributary, Nworie River, flow in the state.
There are other rivers and creeks in the state including Onas Creek in Ohaji/Egbema, Okitankwo River in Umudi, Oramurukwa River in Emekuku/Emii/Ulakwo and Ohia and Efuru Rivers in Okigwe.
Natural resources[]
The state has several natural resources including crude oil, natural gas, lead, Calcium Carbonate and zinc.[10][12]
Profitable flora including iroko, mahogany, obeche, bamboo, rubber tree and oil palm. Additionally white clay, fine sand and limestone are found in the state.[10]
Imo's major towns include Amakohia, Emekuku Isu, Okigwe, Oguta, Orlu, Atta Ikeduru, Akokwa, Mbaise, Mbaitoli, Mbieri, Ohaji/Egbema, Orodo, Nkwerre, Ubulu, Ngor Okpala, Omuma, Owerri, Mgbidi, Awo-Omamma, Izombe, Orsu, and Amaigbo, Isinweke, Umuowa Orlu, Isu/Umuozu, Umuawuchi, Iho Dimeze.
Oil and gas exploration[]
There are over 163 oil wells at over 12 different locations in the state.[10] The main petroleum companies operating in the state are Addax Petroleum, Chevron Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell and Agip.[10] Some of the established oil-rich local government councils include Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru East, Iho, Oru West, Obowo and Ngor Okpala.[13]
Investment opportunities[]
Many investment opportunities exist in the state including oil and gas exploration, chemical plants, brewery plants, hydroelectric plants, gas-fired power plants, grain mills, starch production, cashews, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate production, integrated multi-oil seed processing plants, ceramics, inland waterway transport, and palm produce industry.[10]
Independent global brewer Heineken, through its subsidiary Nigerian Breweries, has significant investment in Imo State.[14] The company manages the world-class Awo-omamma Brewery, a multiple-line plant.[15]
Many more oil and gas opportunities are yet to be developed.[10] The federal government has been called to inspect newly discovered oil-rich areas which might help foster economic development and job creation.[16]
Industrial parks and processing zones to harness the huge agricultural produce and minerals would give a major boost to the state's economic growth and industrialization.[10]
Oguta Lake, Palm Beach Holiday Resort in Awo-omamma and a host of other tourist sites along the banks of the 26 km-length Njaba River present hotspots for tourism.[17]:34
Agriculture[]
Agriculture is the primary occupation, but due to over-farming and high population density, the soil has greatly degraded.[10]
Climate[]
The rainy season begins in April and lasts until October,[18] with annual rainfall varying from 1,500mm to 2,200mm (60 to 80 inches).[11][19]
An average annual temperature above 20 °C (68.0 °F) creates an annual relative humidity of 75%. With humidity reaching 90% in the rainy season. The dry season experiences two months of Harmattan from late December to late February. The hottest months are between January and March.[11][18][19]
With high population density and over farming, the soil has been degraded and much of the native vegetation has disappeared.[11]
This deforestation has triggered soil erosion which is compounded by heavy seasonal rainfall that has led to the destruction of houses and roads.[11][20][21]
Palm oil production[]
One primary source of revenue for Imo State Government is from palm oil production contributed by both large scale and small scale production.
History[]
Imo State came into existence in 1976 along with other new states created under the leadership of the late military ruler of Nigeria, Murtala Muhammed, having been previously part of East-Central State. The state is named after the Imo River which bears the name of a prominent Nigerian family with that family name, who were the chiefs of Imo State before the ratification of a more formal government.[22] Part of it was split off in 1991 as Abia State, and another part became Ebonyi State.
Imo state was created at Ngwoma and the meetings for the state creation which began after the Nigerian Civil War[23] ended in 1970 were chaired by Eze S. E. Onukogu.
Government[]
The state has a three-tier administrative structure: State, Local and Autonomous community levels. The three arms at state level are the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary. The executive arm is headed by an elected Governor who is assisted by a deputy governor, commissioners and executive advisers.
This is a list of administrators and governors of Imo State since its creation.
| Name | Title | Took office | Left office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ndubuisi Kanu | Governor | Mar 1976 | 1977 | (Military) |
| Adekunle Lawal | Governor | 1977 | Jul 1978 | (Military) |
| Sunday Ajibade Adenihun | Governor | Jul 1978 | Oct 1979 | (Military) |
| Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe | Governor | 1 Oct 1979 | 31 Dec 1983 | NPP |
| Ike Nwachukwu | Governor | Jan 1984 | Aug 1985 | (Military) |
| Allison Amakoduna Madueke | Governor | Aug 1985 | 1986 | (Military) |
| Amadi Ikwechegh | Governor | 1986 | 1990 | (Military) |
| Anthony E. Oguguo | Governor | Aug 1990 | Jan 1992 | (Military) |
| Evan Enwerem | Governor | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 | NRC |
| James N.J. Aneke | Administrator | 9 Dec 1993 | 22 Aug 1996 | (Military) |
| Tanko Zubairu | Administrator | 22 Aug 1996 | May 1999 | (Military) |
| Achike Udenwa | Governor | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
| Ikedi G. Ohakim | Governor | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2011 | PPA / PDP |
| Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha | Governor | 29 May 2011 | 29 May 2019 | APGA/APC |
| Emeka Ihedioha | Governor | 29 May 2019 | 15 Jan 2020 | PDP |
| Hope Uzodinma | Governor | 15 Jan 2020 | Till date | APC |
The legislative arm is headed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. The current Speaker is Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, and his deputy is Hon. Okey Onyekamma. The remainder of the house is made up of elected legislators from the 27 LGAs of the state.
The judiciary is made up of the high court of justice and the customary court of appeal, and is headed by the Chief Judge of the state.[24]
Local Government Areas[]
Imo State consists of 27 local government areas:
- Aboh Mbaise
- Ahiazu Mbaise
- Ehime Mbano
- Ezinihitte Mbaise
- Ideato North
- Ideato South
- Ihitte/Uboma
- Ikeduru
- Isiala Mbano
- Isu
- Mbaitoli
- Ngor Okpala
- Njaba
- Nkwerre
- Nwangele
- Obowo
- Oguta
- Ohaji/Egbema
- Okigwe
- Onuimo
- Orlu
- Orsu
- Oru East
- Oru West
- Owerri Municipal
- Owerri North
- Owerri West
Smaller jurisdictions in the state may receive township status or urban status.[25]
Demographics[]
The state has over 4.8 million people and the population density varies from 230 to 1,400 people per square kilometre.[11] Christianity is the major religion. In addition to its capital, other notable towns are Orlu, Obowo Obudi, Oguta, Mbaise and Okigwe.
Imo state is a predominantly Igbo speaking state, with Igbo people constituting a majority of 98%.[6]
Education[]
There are several institutions of higher learning including state and federal government run institutions such as:[]
- Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, Ideato
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede[26]
- Federal University of Technology Owerri[27][28]
- Hezekiah University, Umudi
- Imo State University[29]
- Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo
- Alvan Ikoku College of Education[30][31]
Notable people[]
Sport[]
- Chioma Ajunwa – 1996 Olympic gold long jumper
- Prince Amukamara – cornerback for the Chicago Bears
- Emmanuel Amunike – 1994 African Player of the Year and Olympic-winning soccer star
- Nnamdi Asomugha – former Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback
- Kelechi Iheanacho – striker for Leicester City, U-17 World Cup winner and tournament's MVP (2013)
- Christian Okoye – former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs
- Samuel Okwaraji (1964–1989) – national footballer
- Levi Onwuzurike- defensive tackle for Detroit Lions 2021-present
- Christy Opara – 1997/98 60 meters; fastest woman in the world; 1992 Olympic bronze medalist in track and field
Arts[]
- Obianuju Catherine Acholonu – author
- Okey Bakassi – comedian and actor
- Charly Boy – hip hop singer and activist
- Rita Dominic – Nigerian actress
- Mercy Eke – actress and reality star
- Prince Eke - Nollywood actor
- Nelson Enwerem – model, television personality and winner of Mr Nigeria 2018
- Osita Iheme – actor
- Ada Jesus – Nigerian actress and comedienne
- John Munonye – author
- Genevieve Nnaji – Nollywood actress
- Alban Uzoma Nwapa – Eurodance musician
- Onyeka Nwelue – author, scholar, actor, entrepreneur
- Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna – highlife musician
- Clem Ohameze – actor
- Stephanie Okereke – actress
- Onyeka Onwenu – singer, actress and politician
- Benjamin Okorie – highlife musician
- Kingsley Okorie – highlife musician
Politics[]
- Pats Acholonu – Supreme Court Justice
- Chris Anyanwu – journalist and senator
- Chris Okewulonu – Chief of Staff
- Ifeanyi Ararume – former senator of Okigwe zone (1999-2007)
- Kema Chikwe – former Minister of Aviation
- Chile Eboe-Osuji - Judge, International Court of Criminal Justice, Hague
- Evan Enwerem – former governor and former President of the Senate
- Emeka Ihedioha - former Governor and Chief whip Nigeria House of Representatives
- Maurice Iwu – former INEC chairman
- Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu – politician and businessman
- Prince Eze Madumere - former Deputy Governor
- K. O. Mbadiwe – former Minister of Commerce and Industry
- Sam Mbakwe – former Governor
- Henry Nwawuba - Politician and Entrepreneur
- Raymond Njoku – former Minister of Transportation
- Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba - former House of Representatives Member and current Minister of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria
- Arthur Nzeribe – former Senator Orlu Zone, Member of the Senate of Nigeria in the 4th National Assembly (1999-2003)
- Chinwe Obaji – professor and former Minister of Education
- Walter Ofonagoro – former Minister of Information and Culture
- Ikedi Ohakim – former governor
- Rochas Okorocha – former governor and a serving senator representing Imo West
- Fabian Osuji – former Minister of Education
- Ugonna Ozurigbo – Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly (2015–), and Member
- Achike Udenwa – former Governor
Other[]
- Adiele Afigbo – historian
- Michael Echeruo – academic and writer in Igbo studies
- Michael Ikoku — businessman
- Nenny B – media personality
- Evelyn Okere – Nigerian businesswoman, publisher, fashion designer
- Odumeje — Clergyman.
References[]
- ^ "2017 PHC Priority Tables – NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION" (in en-US). http://population.gov.ng/core-activities/surveys/dataset/2006-phc-priority-tables/.
- ^ "2006 Population Census". National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria. May 2007. http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf.
- ^ a b "C-GIDD (Canback Global Income Distribution Database)". Caeeeanback Dangel. http://www.cgidd.com.
- ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab" (in en). https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/.
- ^ "Free Things To Do In Owerri City" (in en-US). 2017-07-13. https://hotels.ng/guides/city-guide/free-things-to-do-in-owerri-city/.
- ^ a b "Imo State". http://www.igbofocus.co.uk/html/imo_state.html.
- ^ "Nigeria - MASSOB". https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2013/12/18/NGA102877.E.pdf.
- ^ Chukwu, A. O. (2011). "Economic Assessment of Palm Oil Processing in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State" (in en). International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 14 (2): 703–706. ISSN 1595-9716.
- ^ Ebere, Enyoh Christian; Wirnkor, Verla Andrew; Chinedu, Enyoh Emmanuel; Ngozi, Verla Evelyn (2018). "A Review on the Quality of Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis) Produced Locally in Imo State, Nigeria" (in en). https://www.scipress.com/SFP.4.40.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Vanguard, Nigeria (June 2, 2015). "Exploring the resource control option – Imo State, by Futureview CEO, Elizabeth Ebi". vanguardngr.com. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/exploring-the-resource-control-option-imo-state-by-futureview-ceo-elizabeth-ebi/.
- ^ a b c d e f "About Imo State". Imo State, Nigeria: Imo State Government. http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/AboutImo.
- ^ "Industries in Imo State". Imo State, Nigeria: Imo State Government. http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/Industries.
- ^ Vanguard, Nigeria (March 14, 2014). "Imo Govt discovers more crude oil". vanguardngr.com. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/imo-govt-discovers-crude-oil/.
- ^ "HEINEKEN majority owned subsidiaries Nigerian Breweries plc and Consolidated Breweries plc to merge". www.theheinekencompany.com. May 9, 2014. http://www.theheinekencompany.com/media/media-releases/press-releases/2014/05/1784271.
- ^ "Nigerian Breweries invests N3bn in Awo-Omamma, N18bn in Aba Breweries". beverageindustrynews.com.ng. December 8, 2015. http://beverageindustrynews.com.ng/index.php/2015/12/08/nigerian-breweries-invests-n3bn-in-awo-omamma-n18bn-in-aba-breweries/.
- ^ Vanguard, Nigeria (March 14, 2014). "Imo Govt discovers more crude oil". vanguardngr.com. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/imo-govt-discovers-crude-oil/.
- ^ "Niger Delta Region Land and People". www.nddc.gov.ng. Federal Republic of Nigeria. http://www.nddc.gov.ng/NDRMP%20Chapter%201.pdf.
- ^ a b "Climate and Weather - climate info and current weather in Nigeria". http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Nigeria/Climate/.
- ^ a b "Regions Used to Interpret the Complexity of Nigeria". Geographical Alliance of Iowa. University of Northern Iowa. http://www.uni.edu/gai/Nigeria/Background/Standard5.html.
- ^ Africatalksclimate.com Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Ihiegbulem, Emeka (17 December 2009). "Nigeria: Erosion - Ihioma Network Appeals to FG". http://allafrica.com/stories/200912170314.html.
- ^ "Physical Setting: Imo State". OnlineNigeria.com. Devace Nigeria. http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/imoadv.asp?blurb=268.
- ^ Editors, History com. "Civil war breaks out in Nigeria" (in en). https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/civil-war-in-nigeria.
- ^ "IMO STATE - OnlineNigeria.com". http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/imoadv.asp?blurb=267.
- ^ "Local Government Organization in Imo State". Library of Congress Pamphlet Collection – Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/pohick2/13969871060/in/set-72157644200924229.
- ^ "List of Courses Offered at Federal polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDEPOLY)" (in en-US). 2020-01-01. https://nigerianscholars.com/school-news/nekedepoly-courses/.
- ^ "Education in Imo State". Imo State, Nigeria: Imo State Government. http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/Education.
- ^ "List of Courses Offered at FUTO with Admission Requirements" (in en). 2020-10-09. https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/futo-courses/.
- ^ "List Of IMSU Courses and Programmes Offered - MySchoolGist" (in en). 2020-10-09. https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/imsu-courses/.
- ^ "List of Courses Offered at Alvan Ikoku College Of Education, Owerri" (in en-US). 2017-12-13. https://nigerianscholars.com/school-news/list-of-courses-offered-at-alvan-ikoku-college-of-education/.
- ^ "The History of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri" (in en-US). https://alvanikoku.edu.ng/the-history-of-alvan-ikoku-federal-college-of-education-owerri/.
External links[]
Template:ImoStateGovernors
| |||||||||||
|