THE UNTOLD STORY OF IMO AT 50 – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE

February 3rd , 1976 to February 3rd , 2026 is exactly fifty (50) years Imo State Nigeria was created and within this space of time, Patriotic Imolites can agree with me that alot good, bad and ugly has happened.

Imo state is celebrating fifty 50 years of existence, and it is a big deal! Over the years, the state has seen various developments and achievements. Similarly the state has recorded some deficiencies in governance, administration economic policy and developmental strides.

The recent heat is the INSECURITY SITUATION which took its worst scenario immediately the inception of late Mohammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s President. Same occastrated and seemingly politically stage managed influx of aliens into Nigeria propagated the insecurity bedevilling virtually all the regions and states under the Renewed Hope Agenda cum All progressive Congress administration under His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Imo state not exceptional, the height of insecurity became unbearable until the present government under His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma CON brought the challenge to a standstill. The 3R Shared Prosperity administration has seriously shown capacity and invested in the improvement of security architecture in the state aimed at given Ndi Imo a safe and secure environment.

ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, the state has invested heavily in road construction, with notable projects like the Owerri-Orlu road, Owerri-Okigwe road, and the Owerri- Mbaise-Umuahia road. Some other high traffic roads are still under maintenance sequentially. Some are still undergoing construction anyway.

The government has also improved electricity supply, with initiatives like the Light Up Imo Project, aiming to provide 24/7 power supply. The government has promised Ndi imo of more stable generation and supply of electricity after the completion of ohaji power plant.

The construction of the Assumpta flyover and the rehabilitation of the Otammiri Bridge have also enhanced connectivity. However, some other economic important projects like the orashi proposed Imo sea port, Nworie Beach will instantly improve employment opportunity and increase the internally generated revenue for IMO State when completed.

ON ECONOMIC GROWTH, Imo State has become a hub for investment, innovation, and industrial growth, with the establishment of the Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone.The state has attracted investors, with companies like Dangote Industries Limited committing to invest in the state. The government’s focus on digital economy, agro-industrial processing, and small-scale enterprises has created opportunities for economic growth.

ON EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE, The state has prioritized education, with initiatives like the free education program and the establishment of new schools.The government has also invested in healthcare, with the construction of general hospitals and the implementation of health insurance schemes.

ON LEGISLATION, Imo State House of Assembly IMHA has recorded a lot of progress from the first Assembly till date. And in a nutshell, the present 10th Assembly has made Imo proud by the presentation and sponsorship of humongous motions from various state constituencies IMHA and passage of bills aimed at Improving Imo state to a national grid. I commend governor Uzodinma for the solid renovation done at the IMHA complex to serve the test of time.

These are just a few examples of Imo State’s achievements over the years. The state still faces challenges, but there is a sense of optimism and potential for growth as Factchecked.

CHALLENGES: The challenges faced by successive governments are obvious and being followed up with drastic efforts to subdue the abnormalities and to restore sanity in the governance system. The charter of equity will be another shocker legacy to integrate all the zones into the Governorship slot through due rotation and good politics.

Meanwhile, Imo State has faced numerous challenges since its creation in 1976. The challenges can be summarized below:

INSECURITY: The state has struggled with insecurity, including attacks by unknown gunmen, kidnappings, and clashes between security forces and armed groups, affecting economic activities and daily life.

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: Imo State’s economy has been hindered by weak infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and poor land administration, making it difficult to attract investments.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY: High unemployment rates and poverty have contributed to social unrest and insecurity in the state.

GOVERNANCE AND CORRUPTION: Corruption and governance issues have affected the state’s development, with allegations of electoral fraud and mismanagement of resources. Government officials consume the financial slots of aides assigned to them in the government offices without proper checks and benefits.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT: Imo State has struggled with inadequate infrastructure, including roads, energy, and healthcare facilities, hindering economic growth and development. Health care in Imo state is low to compare with some other states created same date with them to make up the number to nineteen states.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES: The state faces environmental issues, erosion menace, illegal mining activities, flooding, which affects both agriculture and livelihoods. Other challenges can be classified as insignificant though numerous across rural localities.

A very important information to pass unto our generation as Imo state is celebrating fifty (50) years anniversary is that before the creation of Imo State in February 3, 1976, Nigeria had only twelve (12) states under the President of Nigeria then, General Murtala Mohammed. He was the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and at fifty years of Imo state, a democratic President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in the throne.

Interestingly, the 12 states Nigeria had before the creation of Imo State in 1976 were:

1. Benue-Plateau
2. Kano
3. Kwara
4. Lagos
5. Mid-Western
6. North-Central
7. North-Eastern
8. North-Western
9. Rivers
10. South-Eastern
11. Western
12. Federal Capital Territory (Lagos)

Imo was therefore carved out from the former East Central State, one of Nigeria’s 12 states at that time. Factually, it was part of the Eastern Region before the 1967 state creation exercise, and later part of East Central State (one of the 12 states) before being carved out in 1976. Remember that Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 and from then till the later, independence took place in 1960, followed up with creation of more states until our dear Imo state was created.

Recall also that on the creation of Imo state in 1976 alongside six (6) other states, Nigeria’s total states was made nineteen (19).

For record purpose, the states created alongside Imo are:

• Anambra
• Bauchi
• Benue
• Gongola
• Niger
• Ogun
• Ondo

On the above therefore, one can easily compare and contrast the possibility of expected maturity and advancement to ascertain the actual ratings so far made across boards because Imo is indeed of mature age at fifty in 2026.

In finality, it is also important to appreciate the creme of succession of Governors Imo State has had till date. It is a mix of Military and Civilian rule. Here’s a breakdown:

MILITARY GOVERNORS (1976-1979)

Ndubuisi Kanu: (March 1976 – 1977)

Adekunle Lawal: (1977 – July 1978)

Sunday Ajibade
Adenihun: (July 1978 – October 1979)

CIIVILIAN GOVERNOR (1979-1983)

Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe: (October 1979 – December 1983) – NPP

MILITARY GOVERNORS (1984-1999)

Ike Nwachukwu: (January 1984 – August 1985)

Allison Madueke: (August 1985 – 1986)

Amadi Ikwechegh: (1986 – 1990)

Anthony Oguguo: (August 1990 – January 1992)

Evan Enwerem: (January 1992 – November 1993) – NRC

James Aneke: (December 1993 – August 1996)

Tanko Zubairu: (August 1996 – May 1999)

CIVILIAN GOVERNORS (1999-present)

Achike Udenwa: (May 1999 – May 2007) – PDP

Ikedi Ohakim: (May 2007 – May 2011) – PPA/PDP

Rochas Okorocha: (May 2011 – May 2019) – APC

Emeka Ihedioha: (May 2019 – January 2020) – PDP

Hope Uzodinma: (January 2020 – present) – APC

It is important to archive this exposition, hence, Imo state is hopeful of further advancement and quality governance, that by the completion of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s dual tenures, subsequent governments will sustain this tempo and keep upgrading Imo state to another higher heights where the dreams and aspirations of Ndi Imo will be seen manifest , long lasting and enjoyed by all.

Happy 50th Year Anniversary!!

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