The List of Imo State Local Government Chairmen that emerged from the September 2024 elections.
The result of the LG Polls in the State as officially declared by the Chairman of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission ( ISIEC).
The Local Government Chairmen in Imo State are:
I) Ngorkpala LGA Mrs Chika Ibekwe APC 2) Orlu LGA Mr Christian Okechukwu Mbarie APC 3) Okigwe LGA Hon Mrs Nkechi Mbonu APC 4) Oguta LGA Hon Nan Ifeanyi APC 5) Orsu LGA Hon Friday Ebeneme APC 6) Onuimo LGA Hon Dr. Emeka Obi 7) Isu LGA Hon Kenneth Ukah APC Ihitte/Uboma LGA Prince Obioha Ndukwe APC 9) Obowo LGA Obioma Ehirim Johnson 10) Ideato North Hon Okechukwu Oparah APC 11) Ohaji Egbema LGA Marcellanus Chinasa APC 12) Isiala Mbano LGA Okoroike Israel Chika APC 13) Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Hon Larry O Chikwe APC 14) Aboh Mbaise LGA Chief Ihieukwumere Alaribe Henry APC 15) Ehime Mbano LGA Chief Uche Nwodu. APC 16) Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Hon Chinedu A Nwachukwu – APC 17) Ideato North LGA Arch Chinonso Okparaeke – APC 18) Ikeduru LGA Hon Justice Nze – APC 19) Mbaitoli LGA Hon Ifunanya Nwanegbo – APC 20) Njaba LGA Chief Vitalis Ugo Obi – APC 21) Nkwerre LGA Maris C. Chukwunyere – APC 22) Nwangele LGA Chief Paul Duru – APC 23) Oru East LGA Hon Nnamdi Oparaigwe – APC 24) Oru West LGA Engr Ikenna Adikaibe – APC 25) Owerri Municipal Hon Chidiebere Emereibe – APC 26) Owerri North LGA Hon Lucky Abaraonye – APC 27) Owerri West LGA Hon Osigwe Victor – APC
Imo State in southeastern Nigeria is divided into 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own council, led by a chairman, who is elected or appointed to manage local governance. These LGAs are vital to grassroots development and the effective delivery of public services within the state. Here is the complete list of Imo State’s 27 Local Government Areas:
Aboh Mbaise
Ahiazu Mbaise
Ehime Mbano
Ezinihitte Mbaise
Ideato North
Ideato South
Ihitte/Uboma
Ikeduru
Isiala Mbano
Isu
Mbaitoli
Ngor Okpala
Njaba
Nkwerre
Nwangele
Obowo
Oguta
Ohaji/Egbema
Okigwe
Onuimo
Orlu
Orsu
Oru East
Oru West
Owerri Municipal
Owerri North
Owerri West
Each LGA council in Imo State oversees the administration of public services, infrastructure, and community development programs, operating under the broader governance of the Imo State Government.
Governance Structure and Roles of Imo State LGAs
In Nigeria, LGAs serve as the third tier of government, providing closer governance to the people and playing a significant role in grassroots development. Each LGA in Imo State is typically managed by a Local Government Council, which includes:
Chairman: The head of the LGA, responsible for local governance, planning, and implementation of policies.
Vice Chairman: Assists the chairman and may act in their absence.
Councilors: Represent various wards within the LGA and participate in decision-making for local initiatives and development.
Together, these officials oversee projects like road maintenance, waste management, primary healthcare, and educational services within their respective areas.
Significance of Each LGA in Imo State
Aboh Mbaise: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Aboh Mbaise is a key agricultural hub, famous for producing crops like yam and cassava.
Ahiazu Mbaise: Renowned for its educational achievements, Ahiazu Mbaise has many secondary schools and technical colleges.
Ehime Mbano: Primarily an agricultural area, it is known for its palm oil production and farming activities.
Ezinihitte Mbaise: This LGA boasts a mix of agriculture and small-scale industry, contributing significantly to Imo’s economy.
Ideato North: Ideato North is home to scenic landscapes and is known for its rich deposits of natural resources, particularly limestone.
Ideato South: Features similar economic activities as its northern counterpart, and is noted for its pottery and traditional arts.
Ihitte/Uboma: This area is well-regarded for its agricultural contributions, especially in cassava and palm oil production.
Ikeduru: Known for its bustling market activities and several health facilities serving the local populace.
Isiala Mbano: This LGA has a strong agricultural base, with a large number of small-scale farms.
Isu: Known for its mineral resources, Isu also has a burgeoning agricultural industry.
Mbaitoli: One of the largest LGAs in Imo, it is highly urbanized and known for its rapid economic growth.
Ngor Okpala: This LGA has rich farmlands and is known for agriculture, particularly yam and maize farming.
Njaba: Home to the Njaba River, this area has tourism potential and is known for its lush, green environment.
Nkwerre: Known for its craftsmanship, especially in blacksmithing and tool-making, Nkwerre has historical significance in Imo State.
Nwangele: Features both agricultural and artisanal economies, with many craftspeople specializing in locally-made tools.
Obowo: A prominent agricultural community, known for crops like rice and cassava.
Oguta: Known for the Oguta Lake, this LGA has significant tourism potential and oil exploration activities.
Ohaji/Egbema: Rich in oil and gas resources, Ohaji/Egbema is one of the most industrialized areas in Imo State.
Okigwe: A major urban center, Okigwe is a key hub for education and commerce within Imo State.
Onuimo: Predominantly agricultural, with strong contributions to Imo’s food supply.
Orlu: The second-largest city in Imo, Orlu is a commercial and industrial hub with a rapidly growing economy.
Orsu: Known for its craftsmanship and traditional art forms, Orsu also has a solid agricultural foundation.
Oru East: With an economy based on agriculture, Oru East is also known for its rich cultural festivals.
Oru West: Similar to Oru East, this LGA has strong agricultural activities and an active trading community.
Owerri Municipal: The capital city area, Owerri Municipal is a key center for government, trade, and education.
Owerri North: A suburban area close to Owerri city, known for residential developments and educational institutions.
Owerri West: Features a blend of urban and rural settlements, with agricultural and commercial activities.
Economic and Social Contributions of Imo LGAs
Each LGA in Imo State contributes to the state’s economy through specific industries like agriculture, manufacturing, or mineral exploration. For instance:
Agriculture: LGAs like Aboh Mbaise, Ngor Okpala, and Obowo are significant contributors to food production in the state.
Natural Resources: Areas such as Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema have oil reserves, contributing to the state’s revenue.
Tourism: Oguta Lake in Oguta LGA and cultural sites in Aboh Mbaise and Ideato North attract local and international tourists, boosting tourism income.
Craftsmanship: Nkwerre and Nwangele LGAs are known for traditional crafts and blacksmithing, preserving cultural heritage and offering employment.
Local Government Administration and Development Goals
The administration of LGAs in Imo State focuses on:
Infrastructure Development: Ensuring roads, markets, and public facilities are built or maintained to improve local standards of living.
Healthcare: Enhancing primary healthcare centers to provide accessible medical services within rural communities.
Education: Supporting primary and secondary schools as well as technical colleges to promote educational development.
Agriculture: Implementing policies to support farmers, increase crop yield, and improve food security within the state.
Youth and Women Empowerment: Providing programs and skill acquisition initiatives to reduce unemployment and foster economic independence.
The 27 LGAs in Imo State play a vital role in implementing these goals, allowing the Imo State Government to reach more people effectively and enhance community-based development across the state.
