Imo State
- Current Governor: Hope Uzodimma
- Founded: February 3, 1976
- Area: 5,530 km²
- Capital: Owerri
- Geopolitical Zone: South East
- ISO 3166 code: NG-IM
- Population: 4.8 million
- Postal Code: 460001
- Slogan: The Eastern Heartland
Imo State is located in Nigeria, lying south of it and one of 36 states that Nigeria has. Its capital is Owerri and known for being the largest city of Imo State. This state existed from the year 1976 together with other states that were established through the leadership of Murtala Muhammad, the former military ruler of the country of Nigeria.
The state’s name came from Imo River and this state has also its main cities such as Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu having the river of Orashi as its main source in the state. Most of the people who are living in Imo State are Christians and Igbo is considered as their local language.
Population and Education
This state has a population of over 4.8 million people with the population density that varies starting from 230-1,400 per square kilometer. Federal and state Government is responsible for running the higher education in Imo State but there are only several institutions that offer this kind of education.
There are only two universities in the state – Federal University of Technology Owerri and Imo State University.
Climate specifications
In terms of its climate, they experienced rainy seasons from April until the month October that has an average rainfall of 60 to 80 inches or 1,500 mm to 2,200 mm. The noted annual temperature is 20 degrees Celsius or 68.0 degrees Fahrenheit. During the rainy season the humidity level is 90% and 75% annually. Dry season is experienced late of December until the late of February. January and March is considered to be the hottest month for Imo State.
Imo State is composed of administrative structures such as local, autonomous level and the state having the three arms: Judiciary, Legislative and Executive. The Judiciary is composed of customary court of appeal where Chief Judge is the head and court of justice.
Imo State is also rich in terms of natural resources such as zinc, natural gas, lead and most of all the crude oil. They have flora like obeche, mahogany, rubber tree, bamboo, iroko and has the dominance of palm oil. Though this state has a high population, the soil became degraded resulting to the loss of vegetation. Deforestation became rampant that caused soil to become eroded which resulted to the destruction of roads and houses during the rainy season.
History Timeline
- Imo State was created in 1976 from part of East-Central State.
- In 1991, part of it was split off as Abia state
- In 1996, the state was further divided and another part became Ebonyi.
- In 2011, Rochas Okorocha became the governor of Imo State.
- In 2019, Emeka Ihedioha became the governor of Imo State.
- In 2020, Hope Uzodinma became the governor of Imo State.
Famous People Born in Imo State
Here are some famous people who were born in Imo State, listed in chronological order from earliest to latest:
- Ada Ehi — Nigerian gospel musician
- Michael Echeruo – academic and writer in Igbo studies
- Adiele Afigbo – historian
- Achike Udenwa – former Governor
- Nenny B – media personality
- Ugonna Ozurigbo – Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly (2015–), and Member.
