In this article, platinumtimes.ng explores a list of top 10 celebrities who are natives of Imo State.
Imo State is among the 36 states in Nigeria. It is bordered to the north by Anambra State, Rivers State to the west and south, and Abia State to the east.
It is among the five Southeastern States which is the abode of the Igbo speaking people. The state’s economy is dependent on agricultural production, particularly palm oil production.
It’s capital city is Owerri and is a large metropolis encompassing a large number of the state’s population and various industries which makes it a commercial hub. Natural resources found in the state’s are not limited to crude oil, natural gas, lead, Calcium Carbonate, solar and wind power, zinc etc.
Imo State which slogan is the Eastern heartland is blessed with not just natural resources but also with people who have attained great heights and are well known in the state and beyond.
This articles takes a look at some of the important personalities whose ethnicities are tied to Imo State.
Summary of top 10 celebrities from Imo State
- Kanayo. O. Kanayo
- Rita Dominic
- Genevieve Nnaji
- Kelechi Ihenacho
- Osita Iheme
- Victony
- Chidinma Ekile
- Okey Bakassi
- Naeto C
- Linda Ikeji
Kanayo. O. Kanayo
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo is an illustrious son of Imo State. He hails from Nru Umueze Oboama Ezinihitte in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
He is a veteran Nollywood actor who made his debut appearance in the movie “Living in bondage” and several other Nollywood movies which has earned him his popularity and firm.
He was born on 1st March, 1962 and he has a degree in Law from the University of Abuja.
Rita Dominic
Rita Uchenna Nkem Dominic Nwaturuocha is a multiple award winning actress from Imo State.
She belongs to the Royal Nwaturuocha family of Aboh Mbaise local government area in Imo State. She is described as one of the industrious actresses in Nollywood owing to her involvement in other businesses and personal investments.
She is a brand Ambassador for GLO, the CEO of Rita Dominic Productions and Co-founder of the Audrey Silva Company.
Rita was born as the youngest child among four children on the 12th of July, 1975 and she is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is another seasoned Nollywood actress who is a native of Imo State. She hails from Mbaise LGA of the state and has risen to be a role model to many people especially in the movie Industry.
She has received several movie awards and also a national honor as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contributions to Nollywood.
She was born on 3rd May, 1979 and has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Promise Iheanacho is a professional footbler from Imo State. He plays as a striker for the Nigeria national team and for Leicester City, an EFL Championship club.
He is best known for his goalscoring abilities and creative tactics in the football game. He was born on 3rd October 1996 in Owerri, Imo State and is nicknamed Senior Man by his fellow players.
Osita Iheme
Famously known as Pawpaw due to his comic role in the movie Aki na Ukwa, Osita Iheme is among the successful Nigerians whose roots are in Imo State.
He was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan following his contribution to the nation.
He is the founder of Inspired Movement Africa which he founded to inspire, motivate and stimulate the minds of young Nigerians and Africans.
He was born on 20th February, 1982 in Mbaitoli, Imo State and has an MBA from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (IMT).
Victony
Anthony Ebuka Victor better known as Victony is a hip-hop artist from Imo State. He is signed to a Nigerian record label called Mainland BlockParty and Jungle Records where he released a debut studio album Saturn, in August 2020.
He released his first single titled Ina Benz, which was his first appearance in the music industry. He hails from Orsu LGA of Imo State and was born on 5th January, 2001. He draws his inspiration from top artists like Davido, Wizkid, Mi, and Falz.
Chidinma Ekile
Chidinma Ekile is a singer, songwriter and actress from Imo State. She was brought to the spotlight following her win in the third season of Project Fame West Africa.
She first ventured into hip hop beats before she switched into gospel songs. She has won the best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards where she performed her hit single “Kedike” at the ceremony.
She was born in Lagos State on 2nd May, 1991 but hails from Imo State. She obtained a degree in Sociology from the University of Lagos.
Okey Bakassi
Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule populary known as Okey Bakassi is a stand-up comedian and actor who hails from Imo State.
He won the “Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)” category at the 2014 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the film Onye Ozi. He hails from Mbaise in Imo State and was born on 23rd October, 1969.
He is a graduate of Agricultural Engineering tthe Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Naeto C
Naetochukwu Chikwe, stage name Naeto C, is a Nigerian rapper, Afrobeat artist and record producer who is an indigene of Imo State. Although he was born in Houston, Texas, he is of Nigerian origin.
He has released different hit so far which has earned him awards and recognitions. He was appointed Special Assistant on Lagos Liaison to the former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha. He had his higher studies in the United States.
Linda Ikeji
Linda Ifeoma Ikeji is a Nigerian blogger, writer, entrepreneur and former model from Imo State. She is widely known for her blog and online publications.
She is best described as a self made millionaire who kept her head above water to succeed despite her average background. She is the CEO of the famous lindaikejisblog, Linda Ikeji TV and LindaIkeji Music.
She was born on 19th September 1980 into a Catholic family, she has a degree in English Language from the University of Lagos.