5 THINGS I LIKE ABOUT IMO STATE
Imo state is a blessed state with so much potential. It takes the name from the Imo River which flows along the states eastern border.
The state capital is Owerri nicknamed “Eastern Heartland”, the state’s largest city and the state’s main economic stay is agriculture and commerce. It’s a buzzing state with a lot of offer in culture, history and even business and investment.
Here are 5 things about Owerri you probably didn’t know.
HOME TO THE BIGGEST AND MOST VIABLE OIL PALM PLANTATION IN THE WEST AFRICA
The Ada palm plantation complex situated is believed to be the most biggest and viable oil palm plantation in west Africa. It was one of the nation’s major source of foreign exchange before the discovery of petroleum.
The state also has several natural resources including crude oil, natural gas, lead, calcium carbonate, solar and wind power, zinc. Profitable flora including Iroko, mahogany, obeche, bamboo and rubber tree. Additionally white clay, fine sand and limestone are found in Imo state.
HEART OF ENTERTAINMENT
Situated in Eastern Nigeria, Owerri is the capital of Imo state and home to Igbo people. It’s well known for its plethora of hotels, bar, restaurants and nightclubs, which has earned it a reputation as Nigeria’s entertainment center. But it still eschews a touristy feel, which is part of the reason so many visitors find owerri appealing. Plus you’re spoiled for choice in terms of hotels and local eateries, all of which won’t blow your budget.
Owerri never sleeps, so there’s plenty to do, whether you’re on holiday with your family or wanting to find the city’s best restaurants or night post. Owerri zoo also known as Nekede Zoo, is well worth a visit, where animals as diverse as lions, gorillas, pythons, monkeys, crocodiles and many different species of bird are on display.
If culture’s your thing, be sure to visit the Mbari Cultural and Art center, an open-air museum where you can view several monumental art works celebrating igbo culture.
IT HAS ITS OWN SIGNATURE HILL
The rolling hills of Okigwe is located in the north eastern part of Imo state. It possesses very attractive and appealing qualities that list it as one of the major tourist attraction in Imo state and in Nigeria. The hill consists of a series of expanding hills with varying height and ruggedness. It’s indeed a fascinating attraction and one of nature’s finest work
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Many investment opportunity exists in the state including oil and gas exploration, chemical plants, brewery plants, hydroelectric plant, gas-fired power plant, grain mills, starch production, cashews, fruits and vegetables juice concentrate production, integrated multi-oil seed processing plants and lots more.
independent global brewer Heineken, through its subsidiary Nigerian Breweries has significant investment in Imo state.The company manages the world class “Awoomamma Breweries”, a multi line plant.
Many more oil and gas opportunities are yet to be developed, thereby creating jobs for unemployed citizens.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture or farming is the practice of cultivating plant and livestock. Agriculture was the key to development in Imo state and rise to sedentary human civilization whereby farming of domesticated species created food surplus that enabled people to live both in villages and cities The history of farming in Imo state began thousands of years ago
Imo state is located within the tropical rainforest which gives it the ecological basis for production of a wide range of tropical agricultural crops with extensive potential for industrial usage.
The crops produced include oil palm, raffia palm, rice, groundnut, melon, cotton, cocoa, rubber, maize etc. under livestock’s are diary, piggery, poultry and fishery.