South East
Imo State
Capital: Owerri · Created 1976 · ≈5.5 million · Area 5,530 km²
Population
≈5.5 million
Size
5,530 km²
Capital
Owerri
Year created
1976
Geopolitical zone
South East
Languages
Igbo · English
Ethnic groups
- Igbo (Owerri, Mbaise, Orlu, Okigwe)
Natural resources
- Crude oil (Egbema)
- Natural gas
- Limestone
- Kaolin
- Zinc
- Lead
Signature foods
- Ofe onugbu (bitter leaf soup)
- Ofe egusi
- Ofe oha
- Achicha ede
- Nkwobi
Notable people
- Sam Mbakwe ("the weeping governor")
- Achike Udenwa (former governor)
- Rochas Okorocha (former governor)
- Mikel Obi (footballer)
- Uche Nwosu (politician)
Culture, values & festivals
- New Yam Festival
- Iri Agbara
- Owerri nightlife — hospitality state
- Mmanwu masquerades
Top places to visit in Imo
- 1
Oguta Lake
Beautiful natural lake and holiday resort — setting for Flora Nwapa's Efuru.
- 2
Nekede Zoo, Owerri
One of the oldest zoos in Nigeria (1976).
- 3
Mbari Cultural Centre
Traditional Igbo mud-sculpture art form.
- 4
Palm Beach Resort, Owerri
Family-friendly resort with pool and gardens.
About the South East
Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo. Igbo heartland, trading powerhouse, coal region.