Imo is a state located in the south east part of Nigeria with its capital city as Owerri. Imo state was created on February 3rd, 1976 out of the former East Central state during General Murtala Mohammed era. It is named after the Imo River which flows from the uplands of the state around Okigwe into the Atlantic ocean.
The state is bound by Anambra State to the North, Rivers State to the South, Akwa Ibom State to the East and to the West by Delta State. It lies within latitudes 4°45²N and 7°15²N, and longitude 6°50²E and 7°25²E.
It is nicknamed "the eastern heartland"
Imo state is part of Igboland and the original inhabitants are lgbos, a culturally homogeneous group. lgbo is the language spoken throughout the state with different dialects spoken in different parts.
Some other major towns in Imo state are Okigwe, Oguta, Orlu, Mbaise, Uzoagba and Emekuku. The state is rich in crude oil, natural gas and fertile, arable agricultural land.
