Owerri – Hospitality Capital of South East Nigeria

Since its establishment in 1976, Owerri, the capital of Imo State, the heart of the East, has gradually but steadily grown to assume the status of the hotel hub of all of South-East Nigeria and the world’s tourist destination.

Imo State was formerly part of East Central State, one of 12 states created in 1967 by Nigeria’s then military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, in an attempt to foster peace in a country wracked by civil crisis and on the brink of disintegration. That was just on the eve of the Nigerian/Biafra civil war. In 1976, however, the East Central State, which had its capital at Enugu, was divided into Anambra and Imo States. Enugu remained the capital of Anambra State, while Owerri became the capital of the new Imo State. Over the years, Imo has given birth to another state, Abia, with its capital at Umuahia, while Anambra gave birth to Enugu, and later to Ebonyi State, which also comprises parts of Abia State. The new Enugu State retained its capital at Enugu; Awka became the capital of the new Anambra; while Ebonyi established his capital city at Abakaliki.

Among all these state capitals, Owerri has remained the most developed in terms of social life, art, music, hospitality, entertainment, and tourism. Even Enugu, which became the capital of the Eastern Region in the early days of colonial rule in Nigeria, cannot compete with Owerri in these respects.

Grounded to drive this hospitality and entertainment machine is the 25+ year old five star Imo Concorde Hotel. Behind him, and also sitting very close to him, are All Seasons Hotels, Links Hotels, De Legend Hotels, Sun City Hotels, Kelvic Suites, Bonbolini Hotels, all of a high standard, with exquisite pools and bars for excellent relaxation. Within walking distance are the Owerri Hotel Plaza, located along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri; Newcastle Hotel, Dreamland Hotel and Ideal Suites and Resorts, all located in the World Bank area, New Owerri. There is also Modotel located just off Okigwe Road/Wetheral Roundabout.

For visitors coming from the Akwakuma area of ​​Owerri, the first port of call is likely to be the Elix Hotel, located just before Akwakuma Junction. As one progresses towards the main town of Owerri there are Bestway Hotels, Mount Royal Motel, Rapour Hotels, Pinewood Hotel and Horizontal Hotel. If you happen to branch out into Works Layout, chances are you’ll come face to face with Summer Suites and Resorts, Cradle Hotels, Milton Hotels and Suites, Triple M Hotels, etc. Along Onitsha Road is the Grand Masquerade, Disney Hotels and Suites and Chelsea Suites. Along Orji Road are Eastgate, Imo Paradise Hotels, Vivian Hotel, Heartland Resort, Stone Castle Hotel, Jaykay Hotels and Executive Garden, along Okigwe Road. The Ikenegbu and Aladimma areas boast exquisitely furnished hotels like Aladinma Royal Suites, Lodan International Hotel, Edinburgh Hotel, Benchmark Hotel, Royal Nordic Suites, etc. The same applies to the Prefab area which has tasteful hotels like Hollywood International Hotels, Grandeur Hotels and City Tavern. There is also Andrea’s Hotel, along MCC/Uratta Road, Shangrilla Hotels, along Aba Road and Domino Hotel in the heart of the city. The list is endless.

In addition to these large hotels, there are also small guest houses and inns scattered throughout all corners of Owerri. These include Stayfine, Villa Maria Guest House, Alvan Guest House, etc.

There are also fast food outlets, including Renny’s Fast Foods, located both in Ikenegbu and along Wetheral Road; of Simeon; Mr. Biggs’; Mr. Fans; crispy fried chicken; Dickson’s; Fashion; Jevinik place; KFC, Fish Island, Trance Garden, Destinee; Grill Chilli, Verse One, Entizer, Chicken Republic, etc. There are also smaller joints for good Africana. These include Classic Restaurant, Eferenkuwa, Ama JK Recreation Park; Ukwu Mango, Funniter Restaurant and Bar; and exclusive bush bars like Tropical Village Kitchen; Ibari Ogwa Village (for the best of ‘point and kill’ fish, chickens and goats); Tata fish; Vandoz Square; Mbari kitchen etc.

There are nightclubs to relax on the weekend after a stressful week. Clubbing at Owerri starts on Tuesday. There is Sugar Club, 40-40, Ace Nite Club, Heaven and Earth Nite Club (Dreamland), Ocean 11, Executive Garden, etc.

In addition, Owerri has produced the First Women’s DJ throughout the southeast, DJ Claire, and musicians as famous as Kelly Hansome, Saro Wiwa, Ugo Stevenson, Owigiri, Sony Bobo, Nze Dan Orji and His Peacock Band, Ababa Nna, Chima Eke, Dr. Sir Foreigner, Ederi, Pizzow Nwafor, Ogadimma , Oriental Brothers and many others too numerous to mention them.

With all of this in place, who can deny the fact that Owerri is the hospitality capital of the South East and the tourist destination of the world? The next time you have a reason to pass through Owerri, try to stop, spend the night, and enjoy the excellent hospitality that only Owerri can provide. Only a test can convince you. The taste of the pudding is in the eating. Welcome to the heart of the east.