Imo! Eastern Heartland
Traveling to Imo State
The NYSC camp is located at; NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp Former Girl’s Model Secondary School Eziama Obaire Nkwerre Local Govt Area, Imo State.
Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri serves air travellers travelling to and from the state. The state is also accessible by road; especially the capital, Owerri; there are buses available from major cities to Owerri. You can then travel from Owerri to Nkwerre, the location of the camp.
On YouthPlus:
People and Culture
Imo is a state in the south-east of Nigeria. Owerri is its capital and largest city. Its other major cities are Orlu and Okigwe.
Imo State is bordered by Abia State on the East, River Niger and Delta State to the West, Anambra State on the North and Rivers State to the South. Imo State consists of 27 local government areas.
People and Culture
The state is culturally homogeneous; it is a predominantly Igbo speaking state with minor differences in dialects. Imo State has a very rich cultural heritage and this is manifested in dressing, music, dance, festivals, arts and crafts, and the traditional hospitality of the people.
The population is mostly engaged in agriculture; yams, taro, maize, rice, and cassava are the staple crops, and oil palm is the main cash crop. Imo is also one of the chief petroleum-producing states in the country; other mineral resources include coal and natural gas. The people are also engaged in manufacturing, commerce and trade.
Geography and Climate
The state enjoys a tropical climate with rainy season between March and October or early November and the dry season between November and February.
Imo has an average annual temperature of above 20 °C and an annual relative humidity of 75%.
Notable Places
Major cities and towns include Owerri, Mbaise, Orlu, Oguta, Okigwe, Uzoagba, Emekuku, Mgbidi Nkwerre, Agu, Orie, Obowu, Ideato etc.
Some notable tourist attractions include Oguta Lake, Imo Wonderlake Resort, Oguta; Ngwu Spring Natural Water, Mbari Cultural & Art Centre, Owerri; Iyi Ogidi Spring etc.
Universities in the state include Imo State University Owerri, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Eastern Palm University, and Hezekiah University.
Interesting Fact
The Ada Palm Plantation Complex situated in Imo State, is believed to be the biggest and most viable oil palm plantations in West Africa.
Experiences of Corps Members that served in Imo State
Image Sources:
https://hotels.ng/guides/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/149322858043489.jpg
https://hotels.ng/guides/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/149322858043489.jpg
Other Sources Referenced:
https://www.britannica.com/place/Imo
https://www.cometonigeria.com/region/south-east/imo-state/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imo_State
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/5-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-imo/