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Imo State

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Map showing the state within Nigeria
Map showing the state within Nigeria

Imo is a state in Nigeria. It is located in the southeast region of Nigeria with Owerri as it capital and largest city. Other major towns are Okigwe, Oguta, Orlu, Mbaise, Mgbidi. The state is rich in oil.

It came into existence in 1976 along with other new states created under the leadership of the late military ruler of Nigeria, Murtala Muhammad, having been previously part of East-Central State. Part of it was split off in 1991 as Abia State and another part became Ebonyi State.

Imo is a predominantly Igbo speaking state and constitutes the heart of Igboland. The current Governor of Imo state is Dr. Achike Udenwa.

Imo state was also home to the oldest African King of modern times, HRH Eze Patrick Acholonu, Igwe X of Orlu, who had been the King of the Ishiobiukwu Gedegwumwho from March 1937 until his death in 2003.