Owerri

Owerri is the capital city of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. It serves as the state's administrative and commercial center and is one of the region's major urban centers. The city has grown from a colonial-era administrative hub into a metropolitan area that houses government institutions, educational institutions, and various commercial and service industries. Since Imo State's creation in 1976, Owerri has been its capital.

It lies in the southeastern part of the country, within the Igbo cultural area, and sits on relatively high ground with a tropical rainforest climate. The area experiences a rainy season from roughly April to October and a dry season from November to March, with warm temperatures year-round.

Owerri's economy centers on government services, education, commerce, and hospitality. The city is a hub for transport and trade in southern Imo, with markets, retail centers, hotels, and a growing private sector. It is served by the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, linking it to other Nigerian cities.

Owerri hosts several higher education institutions, including Imo State University (IMSU), the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education. These institutions contribute to a sizable student population and drive research, skills development, and innovation in the region.

The city is predominantly Igbo-speaking, with Christianity the major religion. Owerri is home to diverse communities within Imo State and serves as a cultural and administrative hub for the surrounding towns and villages.