Owerri, Nigeria
Region: Imo
Geographic Coordinates: 5.483300, 7.033300
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 908109
Language: Igbo
Owerri is the capital city of Imo State, Nigeria, Located in the southeastern region of the country. With a population of over 1 million people, It is a lively and bustling city with a rich cultural heritage dating back to pre-colonial times when it was called Ekwema. Owerri is renowned for its stunning landscapes, Diverse cuisine, And welcoming locals. One of Owerri’s most notable landmarks is the Mbari Cultural Centre which showcases traditional Igbo art and culture through sculptures, Paintings, And other forms of artwork. Visitors can learn about Igbo mythology and history through various exhibits at this center.
The Oguta Lake Resort is another popular attraction in Owerri where visitors can relax by the lake while enjoying various water sports activities such as boat rides, Jet skiing, Fishing or just lounging on one of its many sandy beaches. When it comes to food options in Owerri, There are several local delicacies that visitors should try out such as Abacha made from cassava tubers; Nkwobi consisting mainly cow feet; Pepper soup -a spicy broth made from goat meat or fish- among others.
The nightlife scene in Owerri is also quite vibrant with several bars and nightclubs scattered around town offering live music performances by local artists along with delicious cocktails. Owerri has become an important hub for business activities due to its strategic location within Nigeria’s oil-rich southeast region. The city boasts modern infrastructure including good road networks making it easier for businesses to transport goods across different parts of Nigeria.
In conclusion, Owerri offers visitors an exciting blend between modernity & tradition , With so much to see & do ranging from cultural centers like Mbari cultural centre , To relaxing resorts like Oguta Lake resort , Local delicacies like Abacha & Nkwobi, Vibrant nightlife& a booming business environment.’
- Mbari Cultural and Art Centre
- Oguta Lake
- Heroes Square
- Imo State Museum
- Nekede Zoological Garden
- Maria Assumpta Cathedral
- Owerri Mall
- Owerri Amusement Park
- The Rojenny Tourist Village, Aba-Owerri Road, Igbariam
- Owerri City Stadium
- Agriculture: Owerri is known for its fertile land and favorable climate, making it a hub for agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, poultry farming, and fishery.
- Education: The city has several reputable schools and universities that attract students from different parts of the country.
- Hospitality: With its numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, Owerri is a popular destination for tourists.
- Manufacturing: There are several small-scale manufacturing companies in Owerri that produce goods such as textiles, furniture, plastics products and building materials.
- Retail: The city has a thriving retail sector with various shops selling clothing items, food stuffs, electronics etc.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals, clinics within the city providing medical services to residents.
- Transportation: The transportation sector is also very active with commercial buses (popularly called keke) dominating the road network.
- The founding of Owerri: Owerri was founded in the mid-17th century by the Igbo people.
- The British colonization of Owerri: In 1901, the British colonized Owerri and established it as a provincial capital.
- The Biafran War: During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), Owerri was a major battlefront between Nigerian federal troops and Biafran separatists.
- Sam Mbakwe: Sam Mbakwe was a former governor of Imo State (which includes Owerri) from 1979 to 1983 and again from 1992 to 1993. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most successful governors due to his development projects in Imo State.
- Rochas Okorocha: Rochas Okorocha is a former governor of Imo State who served from 2011 to 2019. He is known for his controversial policies, including the creation of Ministry of Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment in Imo State.
- Dan Anyiam Stadium: Dan Anyiam Stadium is a sports stadium located in Owerri that has hosted several international football matches, including games during the African Cup of Nations tournament.
- National Museum, Nekede-Ohi: The National Museum located at Nekede-Ohi near University Of Technology,Oweri,is one notable place where artifacts are preserved for posterity sake.The museum houses various works on display which includes Wood carvings, sculptures, pottery,textiles,and other items that depict culture,historical facts etcetera
- Imo State Museum showcases the history and culture of the Igbo people of Imo State.
- Mbari Cultural and Art Centre is a hub for traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, and theatre performances.
- Oguta Lake Holiday Complex offers water sports activities such as boat rides, jet skiing, and fishing.
- Heroes Square monument honors the Nigerian soldiers who fought in various wars including World War I & II.
- Nekede Zoo houses various species of animals such as lions, monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
- Dan Anyiam Stadium is a popular sports arena that hosts football matches and other sporting events in Owerri.
- Owerri Mall is a modern shopping mall with a cinema complex offering latest movie releases.
- Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church is a beautiful Catholic church located at Wetheral Road in Owerri.
- Eze Imo Palace is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
- Ngwu Spring Natural Water located at Ngwoma community near Owerri has natural spring water believed to have healing properties.
- Heartland FC: This is a professional football club based in Owerri that was founded in 1976 as Spartans FC. They have won several domestic titles including the Nigerian Premier League and the Federation Cup.
- Imo Angels: This is a women’s football team based in Owerri that was founded in 2018. They play in the Nigerian Women’s Football League.
- Imo Grasshoppers: This is a basketball team based in Owerri that plays in the Nigerian Basketball League.
- Imo State Handball Team: This is a handball team that represents Imo State at national competitions.
These are just some of the sports teams that are active or have been active in Owerri, Nigeria.
- Owerri Carnival is an annual celebration that highlights the rich culture and traditions of the people of Owerri. The festival features vibrant parades, music, dance performances, and traditional showcases.
- Igbo Cultural Day is an annual event that celebrates the Igbo culture and heritage in Owerri. The festival includes traditional dances, music, fashion shows, and food.
- New Yam Festival is a significant cultural event in Owerri that marks the start of harvest season. It involves giving thanks to gods for a fruitful harvest while enjoying yam dishes.
- Easter Celebrations are an essential part of Christian culture in Nigeria, including Owerri where churches organize services throughout Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday.
- Imo State Carnival is an annual gathering that brings together people from diverse parts of Nigeria to celebrate their cultures through entertainment activities such as music, dance performances and fashion shows.
- Mmanwu Festival is a masquerade festival celebrated by communities in southeastern Nigeria including those in Owerri where it showcases different types of masquerades with unique costumes performing various dances.
- Oji River Cultural Festival is another cultural festival celebrated by communities around oji river which includes some parts within owerri showcasing their unique cultures through various activities like dance, music, etc.
- Nkwobi: a spicy goat meat dish typically served as a side dish or appetizer at bars and restaurants.
- Ofe Owerri: a vegetable soup made with assorted meats and fish, including cow skin, snails, and stockfish.
- Pepper Soup: a spicy soup made with different types of meat such as goat meat, chicken or fish.
- Ugba (Ukpaka): salad-like dish made from sliced oil bean seeds mixed with garden eggs, onions and palm oil.
- Okpa: steamed bean cake snack usually sold by street vendors.
- Crunchies Fried Chicken: fast food restaurant chain known for its fried chicken dishes.
- Kilimanjaro Restaurant & Lounge: offers both Nigerian and continental cuisine in an upscale setting.
- The Bungalow Restaurant & Bar: serves traditional Nigerian dishes as well as international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Imo Concorde Hotel & Casino Restaurant : offers buffet-style dining featuring both African and continental cuisines.
- Dan Anyiam Stadium is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and hosts various sporting events.
- Heroes Square is a public park that’s perfect for picnics and outdoor activities, with a large open space and plenty of shade from the trees.
- Nekede Zoo is home to a variety of animals including lions, monkeys, elephants, and more.
- Imo State Amusement Park has rides and attractions for all ages, making it an excellent place to spend time with family or friends.
- Oguta Lake Resort offers water sports such as boating and fishing as well as hiking trails and picnic areas; it’s located just outside of Owerri.
- Mbari Cultural Centre showcases traditional Igbo art and culture through exhibits, performances, workshops, and more.
- Ojukwu Bunker is a historical site that was used during the Nigerian civil war in the 1960s; visitors can tour the underground bunker to learn about its history.
- Ezeogba Falls are located in nearby Abia State; these falls are surrounded by lush vegetation making it an ideal spot for hiking or relaxing by the waterfall.
