Imo State will clock fifty years on Tuesday, February 3,2026–having being carved out from the former East Central State following the creation of additional seven new states in Nigeria on February 3, 1976 by the military administration of late General Murtala Mohammed.
The first Military Governor of Imo State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu ( February 3, 1976–August 9,1977) recorded major landmark achievements which include the production of Master Plan of Owerri, construction of major and intra-city roads in Owerri, construction of rural and urban water schemes, rural electrification, launching of Universal Primary Education, establishment of primary and secondary schools, general hospitals and building of housing units. He also built the old Orlu and Okigwe Secretariats, set up the Agricultural Development Corporation and established the Imo Broadcasting Service for dissemination of information on government activities, programmes and policies. The second Military Governor of Imo State, late Commodore Adekunle Lawal ( August 10,1977 to July 23,1978) initiated, completed and commissioned several viable projects during his regime. The third Military Governor of Imo State, Colonel Sunday Adenihun (July 25,1978 to September 30,1979) equally made some achievements to his credit. For instance, he coordinated the completion of the Federal Government Transition to Civil Rule Programme in Imo State and handed power over to late Chief Samuel Mbakwe (October 1,1979 to December 31,1983). Chief Mbakwe won the Imo governorship election under the platform of Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). Mbakwe made things happen in Imo State as his administration witnessed unprecedented landmark infrastructural development projects across the length and breath of the state. The indefatigable and legendary Sam Mbakwe established Imo State University, Imo State College of Agriculture (now Imo State Polytechnic), Alvan Ikoku College of Education ( Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education) and College of Technology ( Federal Polytechnic Nekede ). The Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education were taken over by the Federal Government at different times for obvious reasons. Governor Mbakwe built Imo Concord Hotel, established many industries and factories that tackled graduate unemployment in the state and procured Sulo Trucks to facilitate evacuation of refuse generated during sanitation exercises among others.
Following General Mohammadu Buhari’s military putsch on December 31,1983 against the democratically elected government of Alhaji Shehu Shehu Shagari , the Supreme Military Council started posting Military Administrators to Imo State in quick succession. Recall that General Buhari was incarcerated several months after he was ousted by another military putsch by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.The Military regimes of General Ike Nwachukwu (January 4,1984 to August 27,1985 ) and Commodore Alison( September 4,1985 to August 28,1986) made notable achievements. They include laying the foundation of Imo Airport, launching of Imo Airport Appeal Fund and completion of projects started by their predicessors. While General Ike Nwachukwu’s regime relocated Imo State University to Uturu in Abia State, introduced the payment of survival levy, commissioned the Amaraku Power Station, launched the Imo State Sports Endowment Fund and merged the Imo Broadcasting Service (IBS) and Imo State Television Channel 59 Owerri to become Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) among others, Commodore Alison Madueke actually laid the foundation stone of Imo Airport ( the People’s Airport) and launched its appeal fund. Late Chief Evan Enwerem ( 1992 to 1993) was the second civilian Governor of Imo State but his administration was short-lived as a result of military intervention in politics. Other Military Administrators of Imo State include late Commander Amadi Ikwechegh (1986 to1990 ) who built and commissioned the Grasshoppers International Handball Stadium and facilitated the hosting of the 9th African Handball Championship in Owerri, Commander Anthony Oguguo( 1990 to 1992) Commander James Aneke ( 1993 to 1996) and late Colonel Tanko Zubairu ( August 22,1996 to May 29,1999). Colonel Tanko Zubairu is remembered today for attempting to merge the above named four tertiary institutions in 1998 when one Dr. M O.N. Ibe was the Commissioner for Education but was resisted by many prominent religious leaders, vocal and courageous sons and daughters of Imo State. The late Colonel Tanko Zubairu who worked with one Reverend Ugochukwu Unachukwu introduced the Operation Storm Security Outfit to fight crime and criminality in Imo State. He also constituted the Onumajuru Judicial Panel/Commission of Inquiry into ritual killings and the OTOKOTO Saga which culminated in the Owerri disturbances from September 24 to 25,1996. Colonel Tanko Zubairu probed the regime of his predicessor, Navy Captain J.N.J. Aneke following public outcry over the circumstances surrounding the sale of Amaraku Power Station. The then Imo State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt.Hon.Joel Agwuocha Chukwukadibia also set up seven different committees to probe Zubairu and his wife, Memuna sequel to sporadic allegations of diversion of fertilizers and drugs meant for Imo State to Kaduna and misappropriation of Family Support Programme funds. Unfortunately, the findings, recommendations and reports of the seven investigative committees never saw the light of the day.
Colonel Tanko Zubairu handed power over to the third civilian Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa who won the January 9,1999 Imo Governorship election under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party. The administration of Chief Achike Udenwa( May 29,1999 to May 29, 2007) came up with the TRIPOD vision of Agriculture, Industrialization and Re-orientation. Governor Udenwa built the Imo State Secretariat along Port Harcourt road among other achievements. He handed power over to Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim who won the Imo governorship election under the platform of Progressive Peoples Alliance. Chief Ohakim who later decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party introduced the Clean and Green Initiative. It was during Governor Ohakim’s administration that Imo State was declared the cleanest and neatest state in Nigeria. Regrettably, Chief Ohakim lost his second term bid to protest votes following a spurious allegation prior to the election that he flogged one Rev. Fr. Eustace Okorie for allegedly obstructing his convoy along Okigwe -Owerri road. Chief Ohakim was later absolved of the allegation after losing the election to Owelle Rochas Okorocha who contested the governorship election under the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance. Owelle later decamped to the All Progressives Congress ( APC). His Rescue Mission Administration is remembered for introducing free education programme in Imo among other achievements.
The sixth civilian Governor of Imo State is Rt.Hon. Emeka Ihedioha ( May 29,2019 to January 14, 2020). Although Right Honourable Emeka Ihedioha’s Rebuild Imo Administration recorded modest landmark achievements within his seven months in office, the Supreme Court of Nigeria terminated the administration by nullifying the judgements of the Imo State Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
The seventh civilian Governor of Imo State is His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma (January 14, 2020 to date). Senator Hope Uzodimma who introduced the Shared Prosperity Administration premised on 3R (Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction will round off his second term in office on January 15, 2028. Governor Uzodimma is carving a niche for himself. He is making indelible footprints in the sand of time and will end up etching his name in gold. His outstanding performance and spectacular landmark achievements are publicly acknowledged and appreciated.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, the Governor inaugurated a 26-member committee charged with effective planning and execution of activities lined up for the fifty anniversary celebrations of the creation of Imo State. To say the least, that is what is expected from a generational and phenomenal leader. Imo State is supposed to be celebrated annually. If individual citizens can celebrate their birthdays every year, there is, therefore, the compelling need to roll out the drums to celebrate our dear Imo State at 50.
At 50, Imo has come of age in terms of responsibility, wisdom and development. Fifty years in the life of a state which by whatever standard of measurement is no mean feat. Verily, it calls for sober reflection, celebrations and commendations for the immeasurable sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, selfless services of the past and present leaders of the state and other giants of history who contributed immensely to shaping the state, joyous noise and thanksgiving to God Almighty for his benevolence and faithfulness.
Unarguably, within the fifty years of its existence, Imo State has recorded tremendous staggering achievements through the sheer grace of God. Imolites are optimistic for more benefits of democracy as there is always room for improvement or amendments.
Hearty congratulations to Imo at 50 and may God Almighty continue to bless and protect Imolites, Imo State , Nigerians and Nigeria.
