Owerri (əˈwɛrɪ) city is the capital of Imo State, South East Nigeria. Owerri is set in the heart of Igboland. It is also the state's largest city. Owerri is home to popular higher institutions such as the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State University, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, and several secondary and primary schools. There is a government hospital and a teaching hospital, and private hospitals of varying sizes.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The slogan of Owerri is "Eastern Heartland". It is called the "entertainment capital of Nigeria" because of its high density of spacious hotels, high street casinos, production studios and high quality centres of relaxation. It consists of three Local Government Areas including Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West. Owerri is a major trade centre for yams, cassava, garri (cassava flakes), corn [maize], and palm products for a region of modified rainforest that also yields rubber for export. In 2016, it had a population of 1.4 million people, and is approximately 100 km² (40 sq mi) in area. Owerri is bordered by the Otamiri River to the east and the Nworie River to the south.
The main forms of transportation in the city are buses. Okada (motorcycles) are not allowed to ply in Owerri city, however, there are designated streets in that allows Okada transportation. Most transport enters and leaves the city of Owerri through Egbu Road Motor Park and Control Post Motor Park.
1 Owerri Zoo (Nekede Zoo). Sits on 10 hectares of reserved forest and houses a large variety of animals including lions, pythons, gorillas, crocodiles, ostriches and monkeys. (updated Jul 2022) Freedom Square Chief Uwunna Recreational Park 2 Freedom Square (almost opposite IMO International Conference Center). A place where people have fun and relax. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Imo State Council for Arts and Centre, Mbari Street Ikenegbu Layout Ikenegbu Layout. Repository of the culture, history and tradition of Igbo people. It has sculptures and artefacts in it that tell the story of the Igbo culture. Artistic representations of several deities are among their holdings.
Oru Owerri which is also known as Oru Eze (the kings festival) is a festival and cultural carnival celebrated annually Owerri people in remembrance of the creation of Owere (Owerri) by Ekwem Oha. It is celebrated by five traditional villages in Owerri Municipal. The festival is celebrated every year in July and it lasts for one week.The festival kicks off at Ugwu Ekwema (Ekwema's hill) where a community civic centre was built. The festival commences with roasting and eating of special yams. 1 Imo Carnival, 48 Ohaozewa Aldinma Ohaozewa, ☏ +234 812 212-1040. Annually 16–31 December. Outdoor recreational space with tons of people visiting during the carnival.
There are numerous restaurants and fast foods where you can eat local and delicious cuisines. Most of them offer dine-in, takeaway and delivery. Jevinik Restaurant, 19 Umez Eronini Street, Ikenegbu Layout, ☏ +234 701 586-3657, +234 803 675-4733, info@jevinik.com.ng. 9AM–10:30PM. Jevinik Restaurant provides its customers with a wide range of food delicacies on soup, stew, small chops, African and intercontinental cuisines. (updated Jul 2024) 1 Kilimanjaro Fast Food and Restaurants, 32 Ekwema Crescent, Ikenegbu Layout, Shirley Supremo Shopping Mall & Orlu Rd (head southeast toward Sam MbaKwe Ave, turn right at Focal Eagles Ltd.
Owerri has a number of spots where visitors and tourists can drink and sample a taste of the city’s amazing local dishes like nkobi and ugba. Such spots include: 1 Old English Bar and Grill, Item, Ikenegbu Rd, ☏ +234 803 935 2371. 24 hr. It is quiet, clean with prompt service, well trained and knowledgeable staff. A good menu with a varied selection of dishes. Rumoured to have great sea food rice. Good nightlife and cool music, they also have a wall gallery. Reservations are required. Masks and temperature checks are required as well. Surfaces are disinfected between each customer. Service options are Delivery, takeaway, and dine-in.
Visitors moving around in Owerri should endeavour to sanitize their hands and wear nose masks to avoid being infected with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The region has also reportedly been under siege by the army and constant attacks by "unknown gunmen". It is advisable to be careful and not to stay out late.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Owerri typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 30 rainy days.
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