An area of 5,530km2, the 34th largest of the 36 States of Nigeria. Imo state has been in existence for about 36 years now, previously as part of east-central when it was created by late military ruler, Murtala Mohammed.
In 1991, the state had to give up some of its space for the creation of Abia and Ebonyi States, inspite of this split, it still boasts of the 13th largest population in the country at over 4.8million.
98% of this population are Igbo speaking and have excelled in various walks of life, for instance in sports Chioma Ajunwa, 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Kanu Nwankwo, national footballer as well as Emmanuel Amunike, Olympic winning footballer have represented the state well while in the arts Nigeria’s elegant stallion, singer, actress Onyeka Onwenu as well as widely celebrated actress Genevive Nnaji are counted among the notables from Imo state.
All these people are grouped into 27 Local Govt areas which include the largest city and capital of the state, Owerri. Owerri on its own consists of 3 Local Govt areas – Owerri municipal, Owerri north and Owerri west with an estimated population of 500,000
Owerri is also the state seat of power housing the 3 tiers of administrative tructure of the state – Executive, Legislative.
In the heart of Owerri, around Akanchawa Udenwa road is a work in progress tagged Concorde Avenue. A large portion of it has been apportioned to honour the departed Ibo leader, Dim Chkwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu although he is an indigene of Nnewi in Anambra State.
The area has been renamed hero’s square and will at completion house Imo hall of fame to celebrate individuals who have made their mark in the state and Nigeria. This privileged few will be approved by the state legislative to enjoy the luxurious accommodation and services that go with it.
An alternative to the excess use of the state stadium is hero s square a large space open for large events constructed with the indigenes in mind. Still in the vicinity is the freedom square a place which the Govt has promised will allow total and unlimited freedom of expression for all even freedom to insult the governor and not be punished.
Another development in the state is in Agriculture, since 1975 under the east central state, the people have been enjoying the benefit of nature’s gift in palm trees which they called agricultural development authority – Ada plantation although it has been renamed Imo palm plantation.
Located in Ohaji Egbema Local Govt area, one of the oil producing parts of the state is a plantation of at least 480k hectares of land with about 650k palm trees, large enough potential to attract foreign investors. The partnership is expected to double production within a year with the involvement of the youth of the area.
The people of Imo state are a people deeply rooted in culture and tradition. This reflects in every aspect of their lives, some of these aspects are captured in the national museum in the capital city of Owerri.
The reception mirrors that of typical individual in the rural part of the state. The parlor also serves as a place for preserving edibles used for entertainment and for cooking, kept in the roof made of rafta .
Further in the museum, a typical setting of an average indigene. There are huts built separately for men and women . Livestock is an intricate part of the environment, in the museum, they have been given life through electrical connections.
The size of yam barns announce the social and economical status in Igbo land. The people of Imo follow this trend and as much as they can load the barns which is conspicuously located in the compound.
