Imo State

The area encompassing modern-day Imo State has been inhabited for thousands of years by southern{{Cite web |last=Amadiume |first= Ifi|title=Cultural Summary:Igbo |url=https://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/cultures/ff26/summary |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Yale University|quote=Igbo-speaking peoples can be divided into five geographically based subcultures: northern Igbo, southern Igbo, western Igbo, eastern Igbo, and northeastern Igbo. Each of these five can be further divided into subgroups based on specific locations and names. The northern or Onitsha Igbo are divided into the Nri-Awka of Onitsha and Awka; the Enugu of Nsukka, Udi, Awgu, and Okigwe; and those of the Onitsha town. The southern or Owerri Igbo are divided into the Isu-Ama of Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri; the Oratta-Ikwerri of Owerri and Ahoada; the Ohuhu-Ngwa of Aba and Bende; and the Isu-Item of Bende and Okigwe. The western Igbo (Ndi Anioma, as they like to call themselves) are divided into the northern Ika of Ogwashi Uku and Agbor; the southern Ika or Kwale of Kwale; and the Riverrain of Ogwashi Uku, Onitsha, Owerri, and Ahoada. The eastern or Cross River Igbo are divided into the Ada (or Edda) of Afikpo, the Abam-Ohaffia of Bende and Okigwe, and the Aro of Aro. The northeastern Igbo include the Ogu Uku of Abakaliki and Afikpo.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206120442/https://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/cultures/ff26/summary |archive-date=2024-12-06 |url-status=live |language=en-US}}Igbo people.{{Cite book |last=Oriji |first=J.N. |date=2011-01-04 |title=Political Organization in Nigeria since the Late Stone Age: A History of the Igbo People|page=5|quote= Current archaeological research, however, suggests that the early occupants of the Igbo area were foragers who had shifted to agriculture before the Nok Complex, using iron tools to cultivate yams and other staples. V. Uchendu, E. Isichie, and others have turned their attention to Igboland, to differentiate between the primary core areas of its heartland, where the various groups lived before their migrations to the frontiers including the Nri-Awka zone, the Isuama Orlu, and the Owerri-Okigwe axes.|language=en-US}} The Igbo language serves as a lingua franca throughout the state, alongside English which was adopted during British colonization. At the start of the 20th century, the British incorporated the area into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate, which later merged into British Nigeria in 1914. After the merger, the area became a centre of anti-colonial resistance during the Women's War.{{Cite web |date=2009-03-27 |title=Aba Women's Riots (November-December 1929) • |url=https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/aba-womens-riots-november-december-1929/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |language=en-US}}

After Nigeria secured independence from Britain in 1960, the Imo area was part of Eastern Region until splitting to become part of East Central State in 1967. Political instability in Nigeria had worsened significantly by this time1966 Nigerian coup d'état1966 Nigerian counter-coup1966 anti-Igbo pogrom and culminated when the former Eastern Region attempted to secede in the three-year long Nigerian Civil War, with present-day Imo forming part of the secessionist Igbo nationalist state Biafra.

The Imo area was hard-fought over throughout the war,Siege of Owerri with Owerri and its surrounding areas ending up one of the last Biafra-controlled strongholds by the time Owerri took over from Umuahia as the designated Biafran capital in late 1969.Invasion of Umuahia The Imo area was eventually captured for good early 1970 in Operation Tail-Wind, during which Nigerian federal forces took the Biafran capital in a final battle that ended the war by prompting negotiations.{{Cite web |title=History of Imo State {{!}} Culture {{!}} Economy {{!}} People {{!}} Naijabiography |url=https://naijabiography.com/history-culture/history-of-imo-state/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Naijabiography Media |language=en-US}}

Following the end of the civil war and reunification of Nigeria, East Central State was reinstated until an Imo State was officially formed in 1976 during the Murtala Muhammed regime. Fifteen years later, in 1991, the current iteration of Imo State was created when eastern Imo state was sectioned off to form the new Abia State, with the same section being split up further in 1996 to merge with a section of Enugu State to form present-day Ebonyi State.{{cite web |title=This is how the 36 states were created |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/nigerian-states-this-is-how-the-36-states-were-created/mdtnq3e |website=Pulse.ng |date=24 October 2017 |access-date=15 December 2021}}{{Cite web |title=Abia {{!}} state, Nigeria {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Abia |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}

Meetings for Imo State creation took place in Ngwoma and began shortly after the war ended in 1970,{{Cite web|title=Civil war breaks out in Nigeria|url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/civil-war-in-nigeria|access-date=2021-06-12|website=HISTORY|date=22 October 2009 |language=en}} chaired by Eze S. E. Onukogu.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-29 |title=History Of Imo State |url=https://nigeriazipcodes.com/10553/history-of-imo-state/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Nigeria Zip Codes |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-12-24 |title=About Imo State, Nigeria |url=https://www.medianigeria.com/about-imo-state-nigeria/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Media Nigeria |language=en-US}} The state is named after the Imo River, which flows through Imo State and multiple other southeastern Nigerian states Imo River, "In Akwa Ibom State, the river is known as Imoh River, that is, Inyang Imoh, which translates to River of Wealth (Ibibio: Inyang means river or ocean, and Imoh means wealth)" before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/imoadv.asp?blurb=268 |title=Physical Setting: Imo State |access-date=13 August 2007 |work=OnlineNigeria.com |publisher=Devace Nigeria |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233927/http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/imoadv.asp?blurb=268 |archive-date=26 September 2007 |df=dmy-all }}

People from the Imo State area have a long history of resisting threats to their peace and way of life. There were multiple agitations against British colonial policies, such as during the Women's War, and the area served as a centre of Biafra resistance until the very end of the Nigerian Civil War. There have also been more recent statewide protests, such as the anti-cult Otokoto riots of 1996 in response to serial kidnappings and murders occurring in Imo at the time,{{Cite web|date=2016-11-19|title=Otokoto ritual murder: 20 things to know about convict hanged 20 years after crime|url=https://punchng.com/otokoto-ritual-murder-convict-hanged-20-years-crime/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}} and the more recent #EndSARS protests in 2020,{{Cite journal|date=2020-11-09|title=Nigeria's '#EndSARS' protest grievances will persist|journal=Emerald Expert Briefings|doi=10.1108/oxan-es257381|s2cid=240972670|issn=2633-304X}}#ENDSARS in Imo State as well as the participation of some young indigenes in regional militias operating throughout Southeastern Nigeria.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-28 |title=IPOB/ESN leader killed in Imo, Police claim |url=https://punchng.com/ipob-esn-leader-killed-in-imo-police-claim/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}Eastern Security Network However, despite intermittent unrest, Imo State has fast growing population and industrialization and an excellent Human Development Index ranking among Nigerian states.

Imo State is bordered by Anambra State to the north for {{convert|84|km|mi|abbr=on}}, Abia State to the east for about 104 km (partly in the vicinity of the Imo River), and Rivers State to the south and west for about 122 km.{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/exploring-the-resource-control-option-imo-state-by-futureview-ceo-elizabeth-ebi/|title=Exploring the resource control option – Imo State, by Futureview CEO, Elizabeth Ebi|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=November 30, 2015|work=vanguardngr.com|author=Vanguard, Nigeria|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080057/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/exploring-the-resource-control-option-imo-state-by-futureview-ceo-elizabeth-ebi/|archive-date=8 December 2015|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|title=Imo {{!}} state, Nigeria|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Imo|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/AboutImo|title=About Imo State|publisher=Imo State Government|access-date=27 July 2010|location=Imo State, Nigeria|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717150144/http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/AboutImo|archive-date=17 July 2010|df=dmy-all}}

The state has several natural resources which includes, crude oil, natural gas, lead, calcium carbonate, solar and wind power, zinc.{{cite web|url=http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/Industries|title=Industries in Imo State|publisher=Imo State Government|access-date=27 July 2010|location=Imo State, Nigeria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314055711/http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/Industries|archive-date=14 March 2010|df=dmy-all}}

Profitable flora including iroko, mahogany, obeche, bamboo, rubber tree and oil palm. Additionally white clay, fine sand and limestone are also found in the state.

There are over 163 oil wells, at over 12 different locations in the State.{{Cite news |last=Onykwelu |first=Stephen |date=12 February 2020 |title=Imo financial advisory committee writes Uzodinma, claims nine banks owe state N112.8bn |work=Business Day |url=https://businessday.ng/uncategorized/article/imo-financial-advisory-committee-writes-uzodinma-claims-nine-banks-owe-state-n112-8bn/ |access-date=30 June 2022}} The main petroleum companies operating in the State are Addax Petroleum, Chevron Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell and Agip. Some of the established oil-rich local government councils include: Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, Oru East, Iho, Oru West, Obowo and Ngor Okpala.{{cite web |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/imo-govt-discovers-crude-oil/ |title=Imo Govt discovers more crude oil |access-date=November 30, 2015 |date=March 14, 2014 |publisher=vanguardngr.com |author=Vanguard, Nigeria |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080703/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/imo-govt-discovers-crude-oil/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |df=dmy-all }} In recent times, indigenes of Ohaji/Egbema communities have been protesting about poor basic amenities in their host community despite the presence of oil producing companies.{{Cite web |last=Adedeji |first=Tunji |date=2022-08-11 |title=Imo community protests abandonment, demands 50% of N70bn oil tax money paid by oil companies |url=https://dailypost.ng/2022/08/11/imo-community-protests-abandonment-demands-50-of-n70bn-oil-tax-money-paid-by-oil-companies/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Tijesuni |date=2022-11-23 |title=Communities shut down oil companies in Imo, demands compensation |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/communities-shut-down-oil-companies-in-imo-demands-compensation/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Damilola |first=Banjo |date=January 25, 2020 |title=SPECIAL REPORT: Residents of Imo community suffer as NDDC abandons education, electricity, water projects |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/374247-special-report-residents-of-imo-community-suffer-as-nddc-abandons-education-electricity-water-projects.html?tztc=1 |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Premium Times Ng}}

Agriculture is the primary occupation, but due to over-farming and high population density, the soil has greatly degraded. This could be a result of inefficient production techniques, poor resource base, declining soil productivity, predominance of primitive techniques of agricultural production, inadequate supply of credit, low capital investment, use of crude implements to mention but a few.{{Cite web|last1=Onyenweaku|first1=C. E.|last2=Nwachukwu|first2=Ifeanyi N.|last3=Opara|first3=T. C.|date=2010-09-02|title=Productivity Growth in Food Crop Production in Imo State, Nigeria|url=https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/29538/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de|language=en}} As a result, the agricultural sector in Imo State would benefit greatly from improved state government and private sector interventions, because an undiversified economy based on crude oil, natural gas and palm oil is unlikely to promote robust and sustainable development of the state.

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.nddc.gov.ng/NDRMP%20Chapter%201.pdf|title=Niger Delta Region Land and People|publisher=Federal Republic of Nigeria|work=www.nddc.gov.ng|access-date=January 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306194309/http://www.nddc.gov.ng/NDRMP%20Chapter%201.pdf|archive-date=6 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{rp|34}}

Many investment opportunities exist in the State including oil and gas exploration, residential and commercial real estate such as brewery plants, chemical plants, hydroelectric plants, gas-fired power plants, and 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.

Independent global brewer Heineken, through its subsidiary Nigerian Breweries, has significant investment in Imo State.{{cite web|url=http://www.theheinekencompany.com/media/media-releases/press-releases/2014/05/1784271|title=HEINEKEN majority owned subsidiaries Nigerian Breweries plc and Consolidated Breweries plc to merge|work=www.theheinekencompany.com|date=May 9, 2014|access-date=January 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207034012/http://www.theheinekencompany.com/media/media-releases/press-releases/2014/05/1784271|archive-date=7 February 2016|df=dmy-all}} The company manages the world-class Awo-omamma Brewery, a multiple-line plant.{{cite web|url=http://beverageindustrynews.com.ng/index.php/2015/12/08/nigerian-breweries-invests-n3bn-in-awo-omamma-n18bn-in-aba-breweries/|title=Nigerian Breweries invests N3bn in Awo-Omamma, N18bn in Aba Breweries|work=beverageindustrynews.com.ng|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=January 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20160105095650/http://beverageindustrynews.com.ng/index.php/2015/12/08/nigerian-breweries-invests-n3bn-in-awo-omamma-n18bn-in-aba-breweries/|archive-date=5 January 2016|df=dmy-all}}

Many oil and gas opportunities are yet to be developed. The federal government has been called to inspect newly discovered oil-rich areas, which might help foster economic development and job creation.{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/imo-govt-discovers-crude-oil/|title=Imo Govt discovers more crude oil|date=March 14, 2014|work=vanguardngr.com|author=Vanguard, Nigeria|access-date=January 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080703/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/imo-govt-discovers-crude-oil/|archive-date=8 December 2015|df=dmy-all}}

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.

The rainy season begins in April and lasts until October,{{cite web|url=http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Nigeria/Climate/|title=Climate and Weather - climate info and current weather in Nigeria|website=www.wordtravels.com|access-date=29 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023232925/http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Nigeria/Climate|archive-date=23 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} with annual rainfall varying from {{convert|1,500|to|2,200|mm|in|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.uni.edu/gai/Nigeria/Background/Standard5.html |title=Regions Used to Interpret the Complexity of Nigeria |access-date=19 July 2007 |work=Geographical Alliance of Iowa |publisher=University of Northern Iowa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414075757/http://www.uni.edu/gai/Nigeria/Background/Standard5.html |archive-date=14 April 2009 |df=dmy-all }}

An average annual temperature above {{convert|20|°C|°F|1}}, 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.

With high population density and over farming, the soil has been degraded and much of the native vegetation has disappeared. This deforestation has triggered soil erosion, which is compounded by heavy seasonal rainfall that has led to the destruction of houses and roads.[http://www.africatalksclimate.com/galleries/imo-state-nigeria Africatalksclimate.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707092750/http://www.africatalksclimate.com/galleries/imo-state-nigeria |date=7 July 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200912170314.html|title=Nigeria: Erosion - Ihioma Network Appeals to FG|first=Emeka|last=Ihiegbulem|date=17 December 2009|access-date=29 April 2018|via=AllAfrica|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012233612/http://allafrica.com/stories/200912170314.html|archive-date=12 October 2012|df=dmy-all}}

Soil erosion is the most common geo-environmental hazard in Imo State, with over 360 erosion sites, out of which 57 are confirmed to be critical and in need of immediate remediation.{{Cite SSRN |first1=G. T. |last1=Amangabara |first2=J. D. |last2=Njoku |first3=M. C. |last3=Iwuji |date=2018-01-24 |title=People's Perception of Soil Erosion and Its Impact in Imo State, Nigeria |language=en |ssrn=3108294}}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-27 |title=Imo requires N75bn to tackle 360 erosion sites — Uzodinma |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/11/imo-requires-n75bn-to-tackle-360-erosion-sites-uzodinma/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}} They are mostly gully erosion found in Ideato, Orlu, Ihitte-uboma, Arondizuogu, Umuomi-ikeduru and Njaba areas of the state. These gullies are attributed mainly to poor civil engineering works, specifically road/gutter construction as well as sand mining. During road construction, adequate control of the runoff generated in this process is poorly taken into consideration. There is also no proper termination, spill way, and gabions to lower intense flow to non-erosion velocities during gutter construction. Hence, rainwater overflow from concrete gutters resulting in erosion, especially at the intersection of gutter and road.

Due to gullies, farmlands have been significantly affected, with both farmlands and their road paths lost. There is also loss of social infrastructures such as, electricity and pipe-borne waters. Communities such as Ikeduru, Orlu, Ehime Mbano, Nwangele, Nkwerre and Mbaitoli dependent on stream and harvested rainwater for domestic use have been impacted due to surface water/stream pollution caused by intense runoffs from the gully sites.

Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), kick-started in the state on November 11, 2014, and the ecological fund are some of the interventions for soil erosion in the State.{{Cite web |title=NEWMAP Commences Means To Tackle Erosion In Imo State |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2015/06/21/newmap-commences-means-to-tackle-erosion-in-imo-state/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Channels Television|date=21 June 2015 }}{{Cite web |date=2021-09-19 |title=Cut off! The face of catastophic erosion and the fear of being washed away in Imo |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/cut-off-the-face-of-catastophic-erosion-and-the-fear-of-being-washed-away-in-imo/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}} Communities such as Eziala- Obizi in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA; Iyiuzo-Ihioma-Ogberuru in Orlu LGA; Umueshi-Amanato in Ideato South LGA; Umuturu -Ezemazu -Urualla in Ideato North LGA; Umunumo Ibeafor in Ehime Mbano LGA; and Umueze Obazu-Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA are beneficiaries of the NEWMAP project in Imo State.{{Cite news |date=2021-09-19 |title=Cut off! The face of catastophic erosion and the fear of being washed away in Imo |language=en-US |work=Vanguard News |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/cut-off-the-face-of-catastophic-erosion-and-the-fear-of-being-washed-away-in-imo/ |access-date=2022-02-28}}

Available research identifies Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Ngor Okpala, Owerri West, Owerri North, Aboh Mbaise and Owerri municipal LGAs as very high flood areas; Mbaitolu, Ikeduru, Aboh Mbaise, Onuimo, IhiteUboma, Obowo and Ehime Mbano LGAs as moderate flood hazard areas; and northern of Isiala Mbano, Nwangele, Nkwere, Orlu, Ehime Mbano and Southern part of Ideato North, Okigwe and Ideato South LGAs as low flood hazard areas.{{Cite web |title=FLOOD RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF OWERRI IMO STATE {{!}} Free Research Project |url=https://freeresearchproject.com.ng/research/flood-risk-and-vulnerability-assessment-of-owerri-imo-state/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=freeresearchproject.com.ng |language=en-US}}

In August 2019, flooding caused by heavy rain submerged about 70 houses, displaced 2000 villagers and destroyed farmlands in Orsu-Obodo community, in the Oguta local government area.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-03 |title=Flood submerges 70 houses, renders 2000 homeless in Imo |url=https://punchng.com/flood-submerges-70-houses-renders-2000-homeless-in-imo/ |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2020-08-17 |title=NEMA raises alarm over impending flooding in Imo |url=https://businessday.ng/news/article/nema-raises-alarm-over-impending-flooding-in-imo/ |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Businessday NG |language=en-US}} Many residents in the state capital (Owerri) were also displaced in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Olowolagba |first=Fikayo |date=2017-09-22 |title=Flood hits Imo, residents stranded [PHOTOS] |url=https://dailypost.ng/2017/09/22/flood-hits-imo-residents-stranded-photos/ |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}} The Orlu-Umuchima-Obiohia-Akokwa-Uga federal road has been cut off by gully erosion thereby leaving motorists and other road users stranded.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-02 |title=GULLY EROSION: Fully-loaded bus falls into ditch in Imo |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/10/gully-erosion-fully-loaded-bus-falls-into-ditch-in-imo/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}

Ideato North and Ideato South have been erosion high risk areas in recent times in Imo State.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-07-07 |title=Senate urges NEMA to relocate residents from high-risk erosion areas in Imo |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/news/senate-urges-nema-to-relocate-residents-from-high-risk-erosion-areas-in-imo/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Sunday |first=Ochogwu |date=2021-07-13 |title=Imo: Gully erosion severs road, cuts off community from Owerri town |url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/07/13/imo-gully-erosion-severs-road-cuts-off-community-from-owerri-town/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}} Isiala Mbano is also not left out in these frequent flood disaster in Imo State.{{Cite web |last=Okeoma |first=Chidiebube |date=2022-04-19 |title=Erosion sacks Imo community after downpour |url=https://punchng.com/erosion-sacks-imo-community-after-downpour/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}

{{main|Government of Imo State}}

The capital city of Imo State is Owerri. Imo 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.{{Cite web|title= International Center for Nigerian Law. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria|url=http://www.nigeria-law.org/ConstitutionOfTheFederalRepublicOfNigeria.htm|access-date=2025-03-11|website=International Center for Nigerian Law}} The executive arm is headed by a democratically elected Governor, who works closely with members of the Imo State House of Assembly {{Cite web|title=States of Nigeria |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_of_Nigeria#Government}} and is assisted by a Deputy Governor, Commissioners, and Executive Advisers.

This is a list of Administrators and Governors of Imo State since its creation:

The legislative arm is headed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. As of the 10th Imo State House Assembly (2023), the current Speaker of the House is Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe. He is a first-time member representing Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area.{{Cite web |last=Adedeji |first=Tunji |date=2023-06-16 |title=Imo Assembly elects Olemgbe, 40, new speaker |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/06/16/imo-assembly-elects-olemgbe-40-new-speaker/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Ugwu |first=Chinagorom |date=2023-06-16 |title=First-timer lawmaker elected speaker of Imo Assembly |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/604992-first-timer-lawmaker-elected-speaker-of-imo-assembly.html |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}} Also, the Deputy Speaker of the house is Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, who is a member representing the Nwangele constituency.{{Cite web |last=Okeoma |first=Chidiebube |date=2023-06-16 |title=First-time lawmaker elected Imo Speaker |url=https://punchng.com/first-time-lawmaker-elected-imo-speaker/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}} The remainder of the House Assembly is made up of elected legislators from the 27 LGAs of Imo State.

The Imo State Judiciary is made up of a High Court and Customary Court of Appeal of the State, and headed by the Chief Justice of the State.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/imoadv.asp?blurb=267|title=IMO STATE - OnlineNigeria.com|website=www.onlinenigeria.com|access-date=29 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826073057/http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/imoadv.asp?blurb=267|archive-date=26 August 2015|df=dmy-all}}

The electoral system of each state in Nigeria uses a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the State Local Government Areas. If no candidate passes this threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of Local Government Areas.{{Cite web |last=Oguntola |first=Tunde |date=2022-09-27 |title=2023: Next President, Govs Must Get Two-thirds Spread, Says INEC |work=Leadership News |url=https://leadership.ng/2023-next-president-govs-must-get-two-thirds-spread-says-inec/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |language=en-US}}

{{See also|List of villages in Imo State}}

File:Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area in Imo State.jpg

File:Oru West L.G.A. Imo state.jpg

File:Orlu Local Government Area, IMO state.jpg

File:Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State , Nigeria.jpg

Imo State consists of 27 local government areas:

{{colbegin|colwidth=10em}}

• 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

{{colend}}

Smaller jurisdictions in the state may receive township status or urban status.{{Cite web

|title = Local Government Organization in Imo State

|work = Library of Congress Pamphlet Collection – Flickr

|date = 2 May 2014

|access-date = 11 May 2014

|url = https://www.flickr.com/photos/pohick2/13969871060/in/set-72157644200924229

}}{{Cite web |last=jlukmon |date=2023-03-29 |title=List of 27 Local Governments in Imo State and their Headquarters. |url=https://aboutnigerians.com/list-of-27-local-governments-in-imo-state-and-their-headquarters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329135220/https://aboutnigerians.com/list-of-27-local-governments-in-imo-state-and-their-headquarters/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=29 March 2023 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=ABOUT NIGERIANS |language=en-US}}

The state has over 5.5 million people, and the population density varies from 230 to 1,400 people per square kilometre. Christianity and Odinani are the majority religions, with Odinani becoming more common as citizens are beginning to embrace their religious heritage.{{Cite web |last=Jacobsen |first=Scott Douglas |date=2018-02-23 |title=An upcoming gathering of humanists in Owerri, Imo State, Southern Nigeria |url=https://medium.com/humanist-voices/an-upcoming-gathering-of-humanists-in-owerri-imo-state-southern-nigeria-7013ff992005 |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Humanist Voices |language=en}} In addition to its capital, other notable towns are Orlu, Obowo, Oguta, Awo-Omamma, Mgbidi, Mbaise, Okigwe and Ohaji/Egbema.

Imo State is a predominantly Igbo-speaking state, with Igbo people constituting a majority of the population (around 98%).{{cite web|url=http://www.igbofocus.co.uk/html/imo_state.html|title=Imo State|website=www.igbofocus.co.uk|access-date=29 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014210632/http://igbofocus.co.uk/html/imo_state.html|archive-date=14 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}

Majority of Imo State residents are Christians. There is also a Central Mosque {{cite web | url=https://dailytrust.com/2-mosques-destroyed-shops-burgled-as-in-mob-attacks-on-nsukka-muslim-communities/ | title=Mosques destroyed, shops burgled as mob attacks Nsukka Muslim communities - Daily Trust | date=2 November 2020 }} in Orlu city, with a few minorities and settlers as members. Catholics (2021) in the Archdiocese of Owerri (1948) with 162 parishes under Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji (2022), and two suffragan dioceses of Okigwe (1981) with 119 parishes under Bishop Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu (2006) and Orlu (1980) with 189 parishes under Bishop Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma (2008). The Anglican Church of Nigeria includes the Province of Owerri led by Archbishop David Onuoha (2020), also Bishop of Okigwe South, and 10 other Dioceses of Okigwe South (1994) led by Bishop David Onuoha (2004), Owerri led by Bishop Chukwuma Oparah (2018), Orlu led by Bishop Benjamin Chinedum Okeke (2019), Mbaise(1992) led by Bishop Chamberlain Chinedu Ogunedo (2010), Isi Mbano led by Bishop Godson Udochukwu Ukanwa, Ideato(1999) led by Bishop Henry Okeke (2020), Ohaji/Egbema led by Bishop Childi Collins Oparaojiaku (2008), On the Lake led by Bishop Chijioke Oti (2008), Oru led by Bishop Geoffrey Chukwunenye (2008), Okigwe led by Bishop Edward Osuegbu, and Ikeduru led by Bishop Emmanuel Maduwike (2009).

This is a list of the higher institutions located in Imo State:

• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede{{Cite web|date=2020-01-01|title=List of Courses Offered at Federal polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDEPOLY)|url=https://nigerianscholars.com/school-news/nekedepoly-courses/|access-date=2021-06-14|website=Nigerian Scholars|language=en-US}}
• Federal University of Technology Owerri{{cite web|url=http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/Education|title=Education in Imo State|publisher=Imo State Government|access-date=27 July 2010|location=Imo State, Nigeria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716022931/http://www.imostate.gov.ng/info/Education|archive-date=16 July 2010|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|date=2020-10-09|title=List of Courses Offered at FUTO with Admission Requirements|url=https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/futo-courses/|access-date=2021-06-14|website=www.myschoolgist.com|language=en}}
• Hezekiah University, Umudi{{Cite web |title=Hezekiah University unihez{{!}} School Fees, Courses & Admission info |url=https://universitycompass.com/africa/Nigeria/universities/hezekiah-university.php |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=universitycompass.com}}
• Imo State Polytechnic, Now university of Agriculture Umuagwo{{Cite web |date=2021-12-01 |title=List of Courses Offered by Imo State Polytechnic |url=https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/imo-state-poly-courses/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=www.myschoolgist.com |language=en-US}}
• Imo State University, Owerri{{Cite web|date=2020-10-09|title=List Of IMSU Courses and Programmes Offered - MySchoolGist|url=https://www.myschoolgist.com/ng/imsu-courses/|access-date=2021-06-14|website=www.myschoolgist.com|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Imo State University {{!}} INOMICS |url=https://inomics.com/institution/imo-state-university-1129758 |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=inomics.com |language=en}}
• Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, Ideato{{Cite web |title=Imo govt seizes Eastern Palm University from Okorocha - P.M. News |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/02/11/imo-govt-seizes-eastern-palm-university-from-okorocha/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |language=en-US}}

• A3 north from Umuahia (Abia State) via Umuokwara to Lokpauku, Abia State.
• A6 northwest from Abia State at Umuika via Owerri to Anambra State.
• F106 east from Owerri via Nguru to A3 at Etiti.

• the Uli-Aguta Rd north to Uli in Anambra State
• the Ihiala-Orlu Rd to Anambra State,
• the Nnewi-Okigwe Rd via Akokwa and Akwa-Okigwe Rd north to Anambra State,
• Okigwe-Afikpo Rd east to Abia State at Okigwe,
• the Umu-Opara Rd from Umoke to Abia State,
• the Umu-Ohie-Uku-Amala-Ibodo Rd southwest from Okpuala via Eziama and Amala to Olakwo in Rivers State,
• the Owerri-Ahoada Rd southwest to Rivers State,
• the Okwuzi-Aguta Rd south to the Ogura-Omoku Rd in Rivers State.

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

• Chioma Ajunwa – 1996 Olympic gold long jumper{{Cite web |title=Chioma Ajunwa Archives |url=https://guardian.ng/tag/chioma-ajunwa/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-19 |title=INTERVIEW: Why I am happy, another Nigerian broke my 25-year-old African Record - Chioma Ajunwa |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/468623-interview-why-i-am-happy-another-nigerian-broke-my-25-year-old-african-record-chioma-ajunwa.html |access-date=2022-03-14 |language=en-GB}}
• Chidobe Awuzie - cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals{{Cite web |title=Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals, CB - News, Stats, Bio |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/2079069/chidobe-awuzie/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}
• Kelechi Iheanacho{{Cite web |date=2018-06-20 |title=Kelechi Iheanacho's Biography, Salary and Net Worth |url=https://buzznigeria.com/kelechi-iheanacho-salary-car-house/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=BuzzNigeria.com |language=en-US}} – striker for Leicester City, U-17 World Cup winner and tournament's MVP (2013)
• Samuel Okwaraji (1964–1989) – national footballer{{Cite web |date=2019-08-12 |title=My last moment with Samuel Okwaraji - Ex-Nigeria midfielder {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/346360-my-last-moment-with-samuel-okwaraji-ex-nigeria-midfielder.html |access-date=2022-03-17 |language=en-GB}}
• Levi Onwuzurike- defensive tackle for Detroit Lions 2021–present{{Cite web |title=Levi Onwuzurike Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OnwuLe00.htm |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}
• Nwankwo Kanu (1976–2011) - professional footballer{{cite web |title=Black History Month Heroes: Nwankwo Kanu |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2284536 |website=Premiere league |access-date=18 October 2024}}

• Catherine Obianuju Acholonu – author{{Cite web |date=2021-03-17 |title=Memoriam To A Quintessential Woman, Great Amazon-Prof. Catherine Acholonu |url=https://www.watchdogng.com/2021/03/memoriam-to-a-quintessential-womangreat-amazon-prof-catherine-acholonu/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Nigeria Watchdog Newspaper |language=en-US}}
• Blaqbonez - Nigerian rapper{{Cite web |date=2022-05-26 |title=DID YOU KNOW? Fireboy, Asake, Chinko Ekun, BlaqBonez are OAU graduates |url=http://lifestyle.thecable.ng/did-you-know-fireboy-asake-chinko-ekun-blaqbonez-are-oau-graduates/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=TheCable Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
• Charly Boy – hip hop singer and activist{{Cite web |title=Charly Boy Archives |url=https://m.guardian.ng/tag/charly-boy/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}
• Chidinma - musician and actress{{Cite web |title=Chidinma, Biography |url=https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/person/Chidinma-2096 |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=mobile.ghanaweb.com}}
• Rita Dominic – Nigerian actress{{Cite web |date=2015-02-24 |title=Rita Dominic Biography: How Old Is the Actress and What Is Her Net Worth? |url=https://buzznigeria.com/rita-dominic/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=BuzzNigeria.com |language=en-US}}
• Kelechi Eke - Filmmaker and Founder of Village Arts & Film Festival (VILLAFFEST), Owerri{{Cite news |title=Dallas-based film maker, Kelechi Eke brings VILLAFFEST to Owerri |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/dallas-based-film-maker-kelechi-eke-brings-villaffest-to-owerri/amp/ |work=Vanguard Nigeria}}
• Prince Eke - Nollywood actor{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Chukwuani |date=2020-11-04 |title=Actor, Prince Eke drags ex-wife Muma gee for saying her failed marriage is a disgrace |url=https://www.kemifilani.ng/hot-news/actor-prince-eke-drags-estranged-wife-muma-gee-for-saying-her-failed-marriage-is-a-disgrace |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Kemi Filani News |language=en-GB}}
• Fave - Nigerian Singer-songwriter{{Cite web |date=2023-04-05 |title=Fave Biography, Wikipedia, Real Name, Net Worth, Songs, Social Media, Career |url=https://songhit.com.ng/fave-biography-wikipedia-real-name-net-worth-songs-social-media-career/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Song Hit |language=en-US}}
• Osita Iheme - actor and author{{Cite web |last=Mbuthia |first=Mercy |date=2021-08-20 |title=Osita Iheme biography: age, height, wife, kids, house, cars, movies |url=https://www.legit.ng/1190165-osita-ihemes-biography-movies.html |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}}
• Illbliss - Nigerian rapper
• Ada Jesus – Nigerian actress and comedienne{{Cite web |date=2021-04-21 |title=Popular comedienne Ada Jesus is dead {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/456676-popular-comedienne-ada-jesus-is-dead.html |access-date=2022-03-17 |language=en-GB}}
• Jidenna - rapper and singer{{Cite web |title=Jidenna talks '85 To Africa' album, the importance of Africa, the REVOLT Summit, dating life and more |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2020-01-02/82479/jidenna-talks-85-to-africa-album-the-importance-of-africa-the-revolt-summit-dating-life-and-more/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=REVOLT |language=en-US}}
• Kanayo O. Kanayo - actor and lawyer{{Cite web |title=Kanayo O. Kanayo: What Better Title Than Veteran? |url=https://guardian.ng/life/kanayo-o-kanayo-what-better-title-than-veteran/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=guardian.ng |date=March 2019 |language=en-US}}
• John Munonye – author{{Cite web |title=John Munonye {{!}} Nigerian educator and novelist |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Munonye |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}
• Genevieve Nnaji – Nollywood actress{{Cite web |date=2015-10-05 |title=Genevieve Nnaji Biography: Who Is the Star Actress and How Old Is She? |url=https://buzznigeria.com/everything-you-must-know-about-the-legendary-genevieve-nnaji/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=BuzzNigeria.com |language=en-US}}
• Alban Uzoma Nwapa – Eurodance musician{{Cite web |date=2023-08-14 |title=Music And Songs career |url=https://songhit.com.ng/song/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Song Hit |language=en-US}}
• Onyeka Nwelue – author, scholar, actor, entrepreneur{{Cite web |date=2022-01-01 |title=Amazing story of Onyeka Nwelue, Nigerian youth who founded James Curreý Society in UK |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/amazing-story-of-onyeka-nwelue-nigerian-youth-who-founded-james-currey-society-in-uk/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}
• Darlington Okoye - Musician, songwriter, social media personality{{cite news |last1=Sobowale |first1=Adetutu |title=Missing Speed Darlington in police custody- Deji Adeyanju |url=https://punchng.com/missing-speed-darlington-in-police-custody-deji-adeyanju/ |access-date=9 October 2024 |work=Punch Newspapers |date=8 October 2024}}
• Onyeka Onwenu – singer, actress and politician{{Cite web |date=2022-02-04 |title=Onyeka Onwenu Opens Up On Failed Marriage And Raising Children |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/life/onyeka-onwenu-opens-up-on-failed-marriage-and-raising-children/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US |archive-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305141238/https://editor.guardian.ng/life/onyeka-onwenu-opens-up-on-failed-marriage-and-raising-children/ |url-status=dead }}
• Snazzy the Optimist - musician{{Cite web |last=Okanlawon |first=Taiwo |date=2022-04-25 |title=Meet Snazzy the Optimist, the genre-pushing artist on the rise |url=https://lamboxtra.com/meet-snazzy-the-optimist/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Lambo ˣᵗʳᵃ |language=en-US}}
• Victony - Nigerian musician{{Cite web |last=Mongina |first=Night |date=2023-02-05 |title=Victony's biography: age, state of origin, songs, accident |url=https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1516525-victonys-biography-age-state-origin-songs-accident/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Legit.ng |language=en}}
• Dr Sir Warrior – highlife musician{{Cite web |title=Sir Warrior - Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture |url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/16327/christogonus-ezebuiro-obinna |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=www.manpower.com.ng}}

• Pats Acholonu – Supreme Court Justice{{Cite web |title=Supreme Court of Nigeria |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov.ng/profile/justice/111 |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=www.supremecourt.gov.ng}}
• Chris Anyanwu – journalist and senator{{Cite web |title=Christiana "Chris" Anyanwu, Role Model, Senior Special Assistant, Politician Journalist, News Caster, Anchor and {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|Entreprenuer}}, Prominent Nigerian, Nigeria Personality Profiles |url=https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/Personality-Profiles/Prominent-Nigerians/Chris-Anyanwu.html |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=www.nigeriagalleria.com}}
• Ifeanyi Ararume – former senator of Okigwe zone (1999–2007){{Cite web |date=2021-09-25 |title=Araraume's NNPC appointment: Debunking the lies |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/araraumes-nnpc-appointment-debunking-the-lies/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}
• Martin Agbaso - former senator of Owerri
• Kema Chikwe – former Minister of Aviation{{Cite web |title=Kema Chikwe Archives |url=https://t.guardian.ng/tag/kema-chikwe/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Sebastian Okechukwu Mezu – Nigerian writer, scholar, philanthropist, publisher, and politician{{Cite web |title=The Jonathan National Dialogue: Conflict Resolution Or Conflict Insemination |url=https://saharareporters.com/2013/10/10/jonathan-national-dialogue-conflict-resolution-or-conflict-insemination-dr-s-okechukwu}}
• Chile Eboe-Osuji - Judge, International Court of Criminal Justice, Hague{{Cite web |title=ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji Remarks at ceremony for the solemn undertaking of six new judges and the departure of six outgoing judges |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=20210310-pres-speech |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=www.icc-cpi.int |language=en-GB}}
• Evan Enwerem – former governor and former President of the Senate{{Cite web |last=Maduawuchi |title=Biography Of Senator Evan Enwerem: Former Senate President of Nigeria |url=https://nigerianinfopedia.com/biography-senator-evan-enwerem-former-senate-president-nigeria/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Nigerian Infopedia |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509164444/https://nigerianinfopedia.com/biography-senator-evan-enwerem-former-senate-president-nigeria/ |url-status=dead }}
• Bede Eke - politician{{Cite web |last=Emeruwa |first=Chijindu |date=2019-02-17 |title=Nigeria Decides: Federal lawmaker, Bede Eke slams INEC over postponement, says PDP poised to send Buhari to Daura |url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/17/nigeria-decides-federal-lawmaker-bede-eke-slams-inec-postponement-says-pdp-poised-send-buhari-daura/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}
• Emeka Ihedioha - former Governor and Chief whip Nigeria House of Representatives{{Cite web |title=Emeka Ihedioha Archives |url=https://m.guardian.ng/tag/emeka-ihedioha/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}
• Maurice Iwu – former INEC chairman{{Cite web |title=Iwu - I've No Regret Over April Polls (Allafrica) — |url=https://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/NG/news/iwu-i-ve-no-regret-over-april-polls-allafrica |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=aceproject.org}}
• Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu – politician and businessman{{Cite web |title=Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture |url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/16561/emmanuel-iwuanyanwu |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=www.manpower.com.ng}}
• Prince Eze Madumere - former Deputy Governor{{Cite web |date=2021-11-24 |title=Breaking: Ex- Imo Deputy Governor's father regains freedom |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/breaking-ex-imo-deputy-governors-father-regains-freedom/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}
• K. O. Mbadiwe – former Minister of Commerce and Industry{{Cite book |last=Lynch |first=Hollis R |title=K.O. Mbadiwe: a Nigerian political biography, 1915-1990 |date=2012 |publisher=NY : Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-1-137-00261-7 |location=New York |language=English |oclc=826736399}}
• Sam Mbakwe – former Governor{{Cite web |last=Adeolu |date=2017-03-15 |title=MBAKWE, Chief Samuel Onunaka (Late) |url=https://blerf.org/index.php/biography/mbakwe-chief-samuel-onunaka/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation |language=en-US}}
• Henry Nwawuba - Politician and Entrepreneur{{Cite web |title=ABOUT – Henry Nwawuba |url=https://henrynwawuba.com/about/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Raymond Njoku – former Minister of Transportation{{Cite web |date=2017-10-14 |title=Nigerians love comedy more than music —Comedian, Njoku a.k.a Senator |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigerians-love-comedy-music-comedian-njoku-k-senator/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}
• Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba - former House of Representatives Member and current Minister of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria{{Cite web |date=2021-09-11 |title=I won my first election at 31 –Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Minister of State for Education |url=https://punchng.com/i-won-my-first-election-at-31-chukwuemeka-nwajiuba-minister-of-state-for-education/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}
• Arthur Nzeribe – former Senator Orlu Zone, Member of the Senate of Nigeria in the 4th National Assembly (1999–2003){{Cite web |title=Dailytrust News, Sports and Business, Politics {{!}} Dailytrust |url=https://dailytrust.com/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Daily Trust |language=en}}
• Walter Ofonagoro – former Minister of Information and Culture{{Cite web |last=Udo |first=Mary |date=2017-01-19 |title=OFONAGORO, Sir, (Dr.) Walter Ibekwe |url=https://blerf.org/index.php/biography/ofonagoro-sir-dr-walter-ibekwe/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation |language=en-US}}
• Ikedi Ohakim – former governor{{Cite web |date=2020-11-11 |title=Court grants former governor, Ikedi Ohakim, bail {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/425683-court-grants-former-governor-ikedi-ohakim-bail.html |access-date=2022-03-17 |language=en-GB}}
• Chris Okewulonu – Chief of Staff{{Cite web |last=Jannah |first=Chijioke |date=2019-06-20 |title='Sack your Chief of Staff now' - Senator Okorocha tells Gov. Ihedioha |url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/06/20/sack-chief-staff-now-senator-okorocha-tells-gov-ihedioha/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}
• Rochas Okorocha – former governor and a serving senator representing Imo West,{{Cite news |title=Rochas Okorocha Archives |url=https://m.guardian.ng/tag/rochas-okorocha/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}} under investigation as of May 2022{{Cite news |last=Dera |first=Promise |date=May 24, 2022 |title=I am under hostage – Okorocha speaks as EFCC operatives surround his Abuja residence |work=Tickernewsng.com |url=https://tickernewsng.com/i-am-under-hostage-okorocha-speaks-as-efcc-operatives-surround-his-abuja-residence/ |access-date=May 24, 2022}}
• Fabian Osuji – former Minister of Education{{Cite web |title=Fabian Osuji's biography, fact, career, awards, net worth and life story - Wiki |url=https://wiki.2kw.net/en/people/fabian-osuji-biography-fact-career-awards-net-worth-and-life-story-11025 |access-date=2022-03-17 |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Ugonna Ozurigbo – Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly (2015–), and Member{{Cite web |date=2021-04-25 |title=If my child isn't good at maths, I'd call for DNA test – Imo Rep, Ozurigbo |url=https://punchng.com/if-my-child-isnt-good-at-maths-id-call-for-dna-test-imo-rep-ozurigbo/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}
• Achike Udenwa – former Governor{{Cite web |title=Governor Achike Udenwa Archives {{!}} Premium Times Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/tag/governor-achike-udenwa |access-date=2022-03-12 |language=en-GB}}
• Hope Uzodinma - Governor of Imo state{{Cite web |title=Nigerian Politician Hope Uzodinma Biography |date=19 April 2024 |url=https://hitmusiz.com/hope-uzodinma-biography/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |language=en-GB}}

• Adiele Afigbo – historian{{Cite journal |last=Harneit-Seivers |first=Axel |date=2007-07-01 |title=Igbo History and Society: The essays of Adiele Afigbo, edited by Toyin FalolaMyth, History and Society: The collected works of Adiele Afigbo, edited by Toyin Falola |journal=African Affairs |volume=106 |issue=424 |pages=529–531 |doi=10.1093/afraf/adm029 |issn=0001-9909}}
• Peter Akah - Former Vice Chancellor, Imo State University{{Cite news |last=Duruamaku |first=Victor |date=December 8, 2021 |title=IMSU VC calls for increased budgetary allocation on education sector |url=https://championnews.com.ng/imsu-vc-calls-for-increased-budgetary-allocation-on-education-sector/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Daily Champion |language=en-US}}
• Victor Adibe Chikwe - Roman Catholic bishop
• Michael Echeruo – academic and writer in Igbo studies{{Cite web |title=Echeruo, Michael (Joseph Chukwudalu) {{!}} Encyclopedia.com |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/culture-magazines/echeruo-michael-joseph-chukwudalu |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=www.encyclopedia.com}}
• Evangelist Ebuka Obi - Evangelist
• Ada Ehi — Nigerian gospel musician{{Cite web |title=Gospel singer Ada Ehi hits one million subscribers on YouTube - P.M. News |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/08/26/gospel-singer-ada-ehi-hits-one-million-subscribers-on-youtube/ |access-date=2023-05-16 |language=en-US}}
• Nelson Enwerem - Mr Nigeria winner (2018){{Cite web |title=BBNaija Prince's true confessions |date=25 July 2020 |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/bbnaija-princes-true-confessions/amp/}}
• Emmanuel Ibezim - professor of pharmaceutics.{{Cite web |title=Profile of Emmanuel Ibezim |url=https://staffprofile.unn.edu.ng/profile/422 |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=staffprofile.unn.edu.ng}}
• Nenny B – media personality{{Cite web |title=Biography of Nenny B, Award Winning TV Presenter |url=https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/35625/biography-of-nenny-b-award-winning-tv-presenter.html |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Modern Ghana |language=en}}
• Mary Nzimiro - pioneering medical doctor
• Priscilla Nzimiro - medical doctor{{Cite web |last=Korkus |first=Stella Dimoko |title=Tragic Story Of Ada Priscilla Nzimiro Nigeria's 1st Female Igbo Doctor |url=https://www.stelladimokokorkus.com/2019/08/tragic-story-of-ada-priscilla-nzimiro.html |access-date=2023-12-10}}
• Odumeje — Clergyman.{{Cite web |last=Humphery |date=2022-02-17 |title=Odumeje Biography and Net Worth (the Indabosky) |url=https://nyscinfo.com/odumeje-net-worth-and-biography/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=Nyscinfo.com |language=en-US}}
• Evelyn Okere – Nigerian businesswoman, publisher, fashion designer{{Cite web |date=2013-11-29 |title=I have passion for good health, beauty and fashion - Okere |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/11/passion-good-health-beauty-fashion-okere/ |access-date=2022-03-17 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}
• Jaja of Opobo - first king (amanyanabo) of Opobo.

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{official website|http://www.imostate.gov.ng/imo-government/}} — {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610114918/http://www.imostate.gov.ng/imo-government |date=10 June 2016 }}

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