Imo State: History, Natural Resources & Points of Interest

Brief History

Imo state is part of the south eastern states in Nigeria and derives its name from Imo River located at Okigwe/Akwa upland. The state was created by Gen. Murtala Mohammed in 1976. Owerri is its capital and the largest city in the state too. Imo state is divided into 27 Local Government Areas and was originally part of the defunct East Central State. The slogan of Imo state is Eastern Heartland formerly known as Land of Hope.

Map showing Imo State

The state has a projected population of about 5 million with the population density varying from 230-1,400 people per square kilometres. She has a land mass of about 5,100sq km and occupied by culturally homogeneous people which are primarily Igbo speaking state with subtle nuances in dialects. She has a very rich cultural heritage which is exhibited in dressing, music, dance, festivals, arts and crafts, and the immeasurable hospitality of the people.

Imo State covers an area of around 5,100km2. It is bordered by Abia State to the east, by the River Niger and Delta State to the west, by Anambra State to the north and Rivers State to the south.

Natural Resources Found in Imo State

The state is rich in natural resources which includes:

• Crude oil
• Natural gas
• Lead
• Zinc
• Iroko
• Mahogany
• Obeche
• Rubber trees
• Oil palms

The rainy season begins in March and lasts until March with annual rainfall varying from 1,500mm to 2,200mm. The dry season includes two months of Harmattan from late March to late March. The hottest months are between March and March. Some important cities and towns in Imo includes: Owerri, Mbaise, Orlu, Oguta, Okigwe, Uzoagba, Emekuku, Mgbidi Nkwerre, Agu, Orie, Obowu, Ideato etc.

Points of Interest In Imo State: Full List

• Oguta Lake, Oguta (Oguta Lake is the largest natural lake in Imo State and is believed to have originated from a natural depression).
• Imo Wonderlake Resort, Oguta (second largest freshwater lake in Nigeria and it is surrounded with evergreen environs of the poetic beauty).
• Amadioha Shrine (mysterious shrine with many more mysterious destinations). Abadaba Lake Resort (has a fresh and muddy colour water body which is festooned with a luxuriant raffia palm and bamboo trees adding to its aestheticism).
• Nekede Zoo (a biological garden complex that has stock of diverse animals stretching from Lions, Pythons, Monkey, Ostrich, Cattle Egret, Guerrilla, and different birds).
• NgwuSpring Natural Water (a sparkling natural water, pure and crystal-like formed by the cascading spring water with a mysterious character of high volume in dry season).
• Ada Palm Plantation Complex (established in 1974, remains the biggest and most productive oil palm plantation in West Africa).
• Asumpta Cathedral (is acclaimed to be the biggest Catholic Church in West Africa, built in Italian architectural design).
• Mbari Cultural & Art Centre, Owerri (an open air museum that houses enormous arts that portrays peace, prosperity and social life in Igbo land).
• Eze Silver IbenyiUgbala II Palace, Orlu (a traditional court palace with its mysteries, historical and archeological discoveries which serves as a custodian of Igbo culture and traditions).
• Palm Beach Holiday Resort, Awo-Omama (is a beach that is concomitant with palm trees and gorgeous environment for relaxation).
• Rolling Hills, Okigwe.
• The Sources of Urashi River.
• Iyi Ogidi Spring.
• Iyi Okwu Spring.
• Edemili Lake.
• Amusement Park, Owerri