Who we are

IMOCAMS:

Imolite Cultural Association Malaga Spain: is an umbrella body of Imo State indigenes living in Malaga Spain and its environs, a non-governmental Organisation with no partisan political interest or affiliation, solely for the promotion of IMO culture,  unity, progress and wellbeing our members.

IMO STATE:

Imo State was created in Februray 1976, It derives its name from Imo River which currently forms a natural boundary between the state and Abia State that was carved out from it in 1991, Imo State has an estimated area of 5,156.6 sq. kilometres.

Imo State (Igbo: Ȯha Imo) is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, bordered to the north by Anambra State, Rivers State to the west and south, and Abia State to the east.

It takes its name from the Imo River which flows along the state’s eastern border, the state capital is Owerri and the State’s slogan is the “Eastern Heartland”.

Imo State is the third smallest in area out of the 36 States in Nigeria but is fourteenth most populous with an estimated population of over 5.4 million as of 2022.

Geographically, the state is divided between the Niger Delta swamp forests in the far east and the drier Cross–Niger transition forests in the rest of the state.

Other key geographical features are the state’s rivers and lakes with the Awbana, Imo, Orashi, and Otamiri rivers along with the Oguta Lake in western Imo State.

Modern-day Imo State has been inhabited for almost a thousand years by the Igbo people with the Igbo language serving as a lingua franca alongside English throughout the state.

In the pre-colonial period, what is now Imo State was a part of medieval Kingdom of Nri and the later Aro Confederacy before the latter was defeated in the early 1900s by British troop then the Anglo-Aro War.

After the war, the British incorporated the area into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate which later merged into British Nigeria in 1914; after the merger, Imo became a centre of anti-colonial resistance during the Women’s War.

After independence in 1960, the area of the present-day Imo was a part of the post-independence Eastern Region until 1967 when the region was split and the area became part of the East Central State.

Less than two months afterwards, the former Eastern Region attempted to secede in the three-year long Nigerian Civil War with Imo as a part of the secessionist, Igbo nationalist state of Biafra.

The area was hard fought over throughout the war with Owerri and its surrounding area exchanging hands twice before Owerri was named the Biafran capital in 1969.

The present-day Imo State was captured by federal forces in early 1970 with Operation Tail-Wind taking the city and ending the war.

At the war’s end and the reunification of Nigeria, the East Central State was reformed until 1976 when Imo State was formed by the Murtala Muhammed regime.

Fifteen years afterwards, Imo State was divided with eastern Imo being broken off to form the new Abia State.

The state economy is highly dependent on agricultural production, especially the production of palm oil, which a majority of citizens rely on for cooking.

A key minor industry is the extraction of crude oil and natural gas, especially in Imo’s north and west.

The state has been beset by violence at various points throughout its history but despite unrest, its fast growing population and industrialization, Imo State has the joint-sixth highest Human Development Index in the country.

IMO STATE CULTURAL HERITAGES:

Imo State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is home to a rich cultural heritage shaped by the Igbo people. Here are some of the different cultural heritages, traditions, and customs of Imo State:

Cultural Practices

1, Traditional Attire: Men wear flowing jumpers or long-sleeved shirts over George wrappers, paired with caps and walking sticks, while women wear blouses over loin cloths with head ties, earrings, and necklaces.

2, Music and Dance: Imo State is known for traditional music and dances like Abigbo, Ekpe, Ikoro, Okonko, and Mmawa, performed during various occasions.

3, Hospitality: Visitors are welcomed with the traditional presentation of kola nuts, signifying respect and hospitality.

Festivals

1, Ahiajoku Festival: A popular harvest season festival celebrated in farming communities to honor ancient deities and mark important events.

2, Iri Ji (New Yam Festival): A significant cultural celebration marking the start of the harvest season.

3, Iwakwa Festival: Celebrated every three years in Ihitte Afor Ukwu.

4, Okazi Festival: A cultural celebration held annually in Emii community.

5, Owu/Okorosha Festival: These festivals are mostly common to people of Orlu zone.

6, Ikwa Ezi: by Mgbidi people in Oru East

Arts and Crafts

1, Traditional Art: Imo State is known for carved doors, walking sticks, sculptures, flutes, and talking drums.

2, Art Centers: Mbari Cultural Center, Eke Nguru in Aboh Mbaise, and Igwekala Shrine in Umunoha showcase Igbo art and culture.

Cultural Significance

Imo State’s cultural heritage reflects the resilience and vibrancy of its people, with a strong emphasis on community, tradition, and respect for ancestors.
The state’s history, language, and traditions make it a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
Read More About Imo State     Read More About Imo Political Structure