The Imo State Government has constituted a 26-member committee to plan and coordinate activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Imo State, with the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, emerging as one of the members.

The committee as announced by Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba in a press release issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026 is part of the state government’s preparations to ensure a well-organized, inclusive and memorable golden jubilee celebration for the state, which was created on February 3, 1976.

According to the announcement, the committee will be inaugurated on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Expanded Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri

The release equally states that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Cosmas Iwu, will serve as the Chairman of the committee, while key government officials, labour leaders, religious figures, professionals and representatives of critical sectors of the society were carefully selected to drive the process.

Comrade Nwanguma’s inclusion on the committee is seen as a recognition of the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, mobilizing citizens and documenting the historical journey of the state over the last five decades. As NUJ Chairman, he is expected to contribute his experience in information management, public communication and stakeholder engagement.

The members who made the list are: 1. Chairman – Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu
2. Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu
3. Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehi
4. Hon. Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu
5. Hon. Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Chucks Chukwuemeka
6. Hon. Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba
7. Hon. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development, Ralph Nwosu
8. Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Chika Abazu
9. Hon. Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Ernest Ibejiako
10. Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Vivian Egu
11. Hon. Commissioner for Sports, Onyeocha Obinna Evaristus
12. Hon. Commissioner for Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha
13. Hon. Commissioner for Local Government Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Mrs Ruby Emele
14. Head of Service, Chikodi Emenalo, mni

  1. Special Special Adviser to the Governor, Events Management and Programme cordination, Sir Bright Nwaelue
    1. ALGON Chairman, Imo State, Engr. Ikenna Adikibe
    2. President, Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA), Chief Sir Barr. Tony Amadi
    3. Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, SAN
    4. Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma
    5. Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State, Rev. Uzoma Uzoeshi, PhD
    6. Chief Imam of Imo State, Barr. Suleiman Njoku
    7. Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State, Comrade Chigemezu Nwigwe
    8. Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Imo State, Comrade Uchenna Ibe
    9. Representative of Imo State Members of the National Assembly
    10. Chairman, Forum of Former Members of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe
    11. President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Imo State, Lady Stella Anyacho.

The committee is expected to design programmes and activities that will showcase Imo State’s achievements, rich cultural heritage, resilience of its people and future development aspirations, while also creating opportunities for reflection on challenges and lessons from the past 50 years.

The Imo State Government noted that the committee will be formally inaugurated in Owerri, after which sub-committees may be set up to handle specific aspects of the celebration, including events planning, publicity, security, culture and documentation.

Imo @50 is anticipated to attract sons and daughters of the state from within Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as friends of Imo, making it one of the most significant events in the state’s recent history.