Imo State created on February 3, 1976 derives its name from Imo River, which takes its course from the Okigwe/Awka upland. It lies within latitudes 4°45'N and 7°15'N, and longitude 6°50'E and 7°25'E. It occupies the area between the lower River Niger and the upper and middle Imo River. The state is bounded on the east by Abia State, on the west by the River Niger and Delta State; and on the north by Anambra State, while Rivers State lies to the south. Imo State covers an area of about 5,100sq km. Imo State is made up of 27 local government areas and has its capital as Owerri.
Religion
There is freedom of worship in Imo State and religion occupies a central place in the lives of the people. The people are predominantly Christians of different denominations. Some people in the state still practice traditional religions.
Relief and Drainage
Imo State is underlain by the Benin Formation of coastal plain sands. This formation, which is of late Tertiary age, is rather deep, porous, infertile and highly leached. In some areas like Okigwe, impermeable layers of clay occur near the surface, while in other areas, the soil consists of lateritic material under a superficial layer of fine grained sand.
Rivers are few with vast inter fluves which are characterized by dry valleys that carry surface drainage in periods of high rainfall. The phenomenal monotony of the terrain may be accounted for by the absence of any tectonic disturbances and by the homogeneity of the rock structure.
The main streams draining the state are Imo, Otamiri, Njaba and Ulasi rivers, all of which have very few tributaries. With the exception of Imo River, which runs through the area underlain by the Imo Shales? Other rivers rise within the coastal plain sands. Generally, river valleys constitute the major physical features, which are often marshy.
Rainfall
The undulating nature of the interfluves gives rise to numerous depressions especially in the northeast Rainfall distribution is bimodal, with peaks in July and September and a two week break in August. The rainy season begins in March and lasts till October or early November. From March to May, there are violent storms which destroy crops and houses. Rainfall is often at its maximum at night and during the early morning hours. However, variations occur in rainfall amount from year to year. Annual rainfall varies from 1,990 mm to 2,200.
Temperatures
Temperatures are similar all over the state. The hottest months are January to March, with the mean annual temperature above 20°C. The influence of the harmattan lasts for about nine weeks (i.e. from late December to late February).Imo State has an average annual relative humidity of 75 per cent which is highest during the rainy season, when it rises to about 90 per cent. The high temperature and humidity experienced in the state favour luxuriant plant growth, which produce the Imo State's rich and beautiful vegetation of the tropical rain forest.
Vegetation
Economic trees like the iroko, mahogany, obeche, gmelina, bamboo, rubber and oil palm pre dominate. But due to high population density, most of the state has been so farmed and degraded that the original vegetation has disappeared. Thus farmers are forced into marginal lands, a situation aggravated by the rising demand for fuel-wood. Deforestation has triggered off acute soil erosion especially in the Okigwe Orlu axis.
Population & Land Use
Imo State has a population of about 4.8 million persons. The population density varies from 230 persons per sq. km. in Oguta/Egbema area, to about 1,400 persons per sq. km. in Mbaise, Orlu, Mbano and Mbaitoli areas. This high population density has led to intensified pressure on land, forests and other natural resources, leading to increasing rural poverty which is characteristic of densely populated rural areas. Fallow period rarely exceeds one year and in some areas continuous cropping is the rule. Low crop yield and loss of land to erosion have combined to induce people to migrate in search of jobs and even farmland in other parts of the country.
Rural Settlement Patterns
The population of Imo State is predominantly rural. Some of the most densely settled areas of Nigeria are found in Imo State, where a direct relationship exists between population density and the degree of dispersal of rural settlement.
Tourism Destinations in Imo State
The state is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the Nigeria. Imo's tourist attractions include The Imo Wonderlake Resort Oguta, the second largest fresh water in Nigeria, no brine, no smarting in the eyes and no harmful creatures. It is surrounded with ever-green environs of the poetic beauty. Places of interest include the source of Urashi River, a spring which has mysterious source from a rope like feather stretching from a mountainous substance; the Amadioha shrine, a mysterious shrine and many more mysterious destinations. The state also has athletic facilities equipped with modern fitting and fixtures and provides world class service.
Imo state provides plenty of places of interest and shopping opportunities. The State has over 5 million palm trees and serves as one of the most preferred Nigeria's tourist attractions. The Sam Mbakwe International airport is in the center of the south east providing exceptional facilities to the travelling public. In entertainment front too Imo offers most exciting opportunities.
Imo tourist attractions include a number of natural springs located in and around Imo. Ekwe and Ebenator springs located in Isu LGA is one of the notable spring sites. About 30years ago, the people of Ekwe community constructed a big slab at the Ishiyi with pipes to draw their drinking water. The evidence collected from here throws more lights on the past and ancient culture. Other places of interest include the Iyi Ogidi Spring, Iyi Mgbede spring, the Edemili Lake and the Blue Obana Lake. The State Museum which is located in owerri showcases various exhibits of Imo's traditional system.
Another interesting destination is the Nekede Zoo, a biological garden complex located at old Nekede in Owerri. It is under the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Zoo has stock of different animals ranging from Lions, Pythons, Monkey, Ostrich, Crocodile, Cattle Egret, Guerrilla, and different birds.
These are the Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Imo State:
1. Imo Wonderlake Resort and Conference Center, Oguta
2. Abadaba Lake
3. The Source of Urashi River
4. The Amadioha Shrine
5. The Ancestral Home of King Jaja of Opobo
6. The Blue Obana Lake
7. Ekwe and Ebenator Spring
8. Iyi Ogidi Spring
9. Iyi Mgbede Spring
10. The Nekede Zoo & Garden
The inhabitants of Imo State are lgbos, a culturally homogeneous group. The lgbo language is spoken throughout the state with minor differences in dialects. The official language of the state is however, English. Imo State has a very rich cultural heritage. This is manifested in dressing, music, dance, festivals, arts and crafts, and the traditional hospitality of the people.
Festivals:
There are many traditional festivals observed in the State. Each community has different festivals celebrated in honor of ancient deities or to mark an important event in the history of the area. There are different festivals to usher in the harvest season, the most popular being the Ahiajoku Festival, which is observed in all the farming communities.
Music and Dancing:
Imo State is rich in traditional music and dances, which have persisted in spite of foreign influences. The lgbos have different types of music to suit various occasions, such as work, leisure, marriage, and funeral. Much of the traditional music is a combination of vocal and instrumental artistry, which produces a tuneful melody. Honored traditional music and dances include Abigbo, Ekpe, Ikoro, Okonko, Mmawa, etc.
Dress:
The traditional apparel for the men is an overflowing jumper or a long-sleeved shirt worn over the George wrapper, which is tied round the waist, flowing down to the ankles. This dress is complemented with a cap and a walking stick, which serves as an instrument of support and defense. The traditional wear for the women is a blouse, worn over a loin cloth. This female outfit goes with a head tie, ear rings and necklaces.
Arts and Crafts:
Traditional artists abound in the state. Works of art produced in the state include: carved doors, walking sticks of different designs, sculptures, flutes, wooden mortars and pestles, gongs, and the famous talking drums. Metal works and various types of fabrications are locally produced. Some art & cultural centers include: The Mbari Cultural Center at Owerri, Eke Nguru in Aboh Mbaise and lgwekala shrine in Umunoha are traditional art and craft centers that depict the culture and heritage of the lgbos.
Culture:
Part of the culture of the state is the lgbo traditional hospitality to visitors, which begins with the presentation of kolanuts to the visitor. The kolanut signifies that the visitor is heartily welcomed. The ritual of the presentation of the kolanut is consummated with the offering of prayers and thanksgiving or petition to the supreme God and other deities, for the protection of the visitor and the host.
HOTELS
1. Imo Concorde Hotel located at New Owerri, Off Port Harcourt Road Owerri.
2. All Seasons Hotels located at plot 5049, Commercial District, New Owerri.
3. Disney Hotels located at Onitsha Road Owerri.
4. Owerri Hotel Plaza located at Port Harcourt Road.
5. Links Hotel located at New Oweri, Off Port Harcourt Road Owerri.
6. Dreamland Hotels located at World Bank Area, Off Port Harcourt Road Owerri.
7. Lobic Meridian Hotel located at Port Harcourt Road.
8. Newcastel Hotel located at World Bank Area, Off Port Harcourt Road Owerri.
9. Legend Hotel located at New Oweri, Off Port Harcourt Road Owerri.
10. Hollywood Int'l Hotel located at Prefab Area Owerri.
RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD AND KITCHEN IN OWERRI
Opinions on dinning and restaurant in Imo
• Crunchies: plot 79 ITC junction
• Mr. Fans: 106 Mbari street, Ikenegbu layout
• Jevenik Restaurants and Bar: 19 Umez-Eronini street, Ikenegbu layout Owerri
• Best Lady Restaurants: off Ekwena Crescent off Wetheral road
• Stainless Restaurant :Mbari street, Ikenegbu
• Renny's place: Ekwena crescent off wetheral road
• Mr. Biggs:Okigwe road, Owerri
• Channel O: Umez Eronini street Ikenegbu
• DE Simeons: Ekwena Crescent Owerri
• Hungry man: Fsp park around wetheral
PLACES TO VISIT
• Visit Oguta Wonder lake Resort : located at Oguta were you can have brake during visit. Located at about 30mins travel from the city
• Visit the Zoo : located at Nekede, at about 15mins drive from the city
• Night out bars were one can be treat to delightful meal of real fish and child drinks of sorted type. E.g Mess 77, Tata fish, Boom. Somewhere in town (old stadium)
• Visit Mbari kitchen for high life instrumental bands, watch footballs and cinema
• Visit concord casino and lounge bar
NIGHT LIFE
• CLUBBING: All Seasons hotel- very popular and fun place to hang out, they have live and DJ music and a fun swimming pool areas. There's also an out door place with great music across the street
• HANGOUT AT MESS 77, LA FISH, TATA FISH: Where you can be treat to delightful fish meals like point and kill
• Enjoy local delicases at Mbari kitchen.
SHOPPING
• Destiny supermarket: around ikenegbu road
• Maris supermarket: around ikenegbu road
• Shorty collectibles : around wetheral road
• Boxxy fresh: around tetlow
Industries in Imo State
The State is blessed with abundant natural resources. These include crude oil, lead, zinc, white clay, fine sand, limestone and natural gas in commercial quantities. Imo State has a number of mineral-based raw materials for industries.
Existing factory and crafts industries are classified into seven groups reflecting the types of major activities. These are:
• Manufacturing,
• Agriculture,
• Building and Construction,
• Mining and Quarrying,
• Water, Gas, Electricity,
• Services and
• Others.
There are a total of 11,607 industrial and business establishments in Imo State: 9,274 are in the services/business, 1,858 in the manufacturing sector, 416 in building and construction, 53 in agricultural activity, while three establishments each are in mining and quarrying as well as in water, gas and electricity.
Entrepreneurs in the state need a great deal of support to enable them tool-up their factories and energize their productivity engines. In the good old days, the major state-owned industries in Imo included:
Standard Shoes Company, Owerri, which produced different types of footwear;
Clay Products, Ezinachi-Okigwe, which produced burnt bricks for all kinds of buildings;
Sack Hercules, Owerri, which assembled motor-cycles and bicycles;
Nsu tile Factory, Ehime-Mbano,
Imo Health Foods Limited, Ubakalo,
Adapalm Nigeria Limited,Ohaji-Egbema, a palm oil processing plant
Imo Modern Poultry Limited, Avutu-Obowo;
Modern Produce Inspection Laboratory, Owerri, and
Oguta Motels Limited, Oguta.
Some of these industries are still in operation but at much below world-class performance.
Industries under partnership included or still includes -
Fuason Industries, Owerri, which produces galvanized iron sheets, the
Afrik Enterprises, Awo-Omama, a pharmaceutical company,
Imo Concord Hotel, Owerri. Industries that had been partially privatized include
Card Packaged Industry, Orlu,
Resin Paints Limited, Aboh Mbaise and
Aluminium Extrusion Industry, Inyisi.
Industries in the private sector include
Sab Spare Parts and Allied Accessories, Okigwe, which make motor-spare parts,
Oma Pharmaceutical, Awomoma, which produces drugs and medicines,
Magil Industries, Atta, which makes steel, sponge, bread, polythene and paper.
Ndi Igbo Kwenu!
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