Owerri is a Nigerian city situated in Imo state. It is a beautiful
place surrounded by rivers – Otamiri River in the east and River
Nworie in the south. So if you are planning a vacation in this city or
going for some other reasons, then do stay prepared because you are
bound to find some amazing places to visit. And surely travel to
Owerri will be the most memorable one.
So without further ado, let's figure out the best tourist attractions
in Imo State.
IMO CARNIVAL
Imo Carnival is a festival in Nigeria, also tagged "Celebration of
unity", was created as part of the vision of making Imo State in
Nigeria. The carnival has been designed to be an annual event. It has
boosted the cultural mosaic of the Nigerian people while entertaining
millions of spectators/visitors within and outside the State, thereby
boosting the tourism industry for all stakeholders. Buchi George is
the initiator and the founder of Imo Carnival, also the executive
director Imo carnival development commission.
OGUTA LAKE, OGUTA
Oguta Lake is the largest natural lake in Imo State and is supposed to
have originated from a natural depression. The lake is of immense
value to the people of Oguta, Orsu, Nkwesi and Awo.
In the colonial era, the Oguta Lake was a port for the evacuation of
palm products and the relics of the jetties used by the United African
Company (U.A.C.) still exist today. During the civil war, the Oguta
Lake was a marine base for the Biafran Navy. Oguta Lake is such a
place where one can have calm and soothing time enjoying the perks of
nature. You can take a cruise in the lake. And it's a paradise for
golf lovers as there is an 18-hole golf course situated next to the
lake. Cruise, golf and nature – you got to admit, Oguta Lake deserves
a visit from you whether you are vacationing in the city or doing
business. And a little piece of advice is to visit it in the early
hours of the day and leave the place before sunset because it is far
away from main city.
OGUTA LAKE MOTEL
Located about 40km away from Owerri, this motel and tourist resort is
a 3-star hotel aimed at attracting tourists to Oguta Lake. It was
originally established as a retreat and get away spot for the colonial
rulers and this resort has been upgraded and equipped with modern
facilities to help boost tourism potential of Oguta Lake.
AMUSEMENT PARK OWERRI
This Park was created for relaxation and entertainment for families,
visitors and children within the Owerri community. Vacationing with
children and visiting amusement park seems totally legit. It might
sound a bit boring but sometimes it's good to let the kids come out
and have fun.
NEKEDE ZOO
This is a biological garden complex located at old Nekede in Owerri.
The Zoo has stock of different animals ranging from Lions, Pythons,
Monkey, Ostrich, Crocodile, Cattle Egret, Guerrilla, and different
birds.
ADA PALM PLANTATION COMPLEX
Established in 1974, Ada palm is the biggest and most viable oil palm
plantation in West Africa. The palm plantation, which occupies about
4,310 hectares of land, with a housing estate, was one of the nation's
major sources of foreign exchange before the discovery of petroleum.
This plantation lies in the parcel of land between Amafor and Egbema
in Ohiji/Egbema LGA. Access is Owerri to Port-Harcourt road; turn
right to Amafor about 20km from Owerri.
Ada palm plantation complex has a great economic value not only for
Nigeria but for Africa as well. The visit here will guide you about
the country's legacy in palm plantation. And like Oguta Lake, go there
in the morning because it is located almost out of the city and
driving to and fro would take couple of hours.
MBARI CULTURAL AND ART CENTRE
Of course a city's attraction is not complete without including an
epic art centre. Mbari cultural and art centre is basically a museum
that collects monumental art pieces. Honestly, it's not as much
promising as it should be but art fanatics would find this place very
interesting and laid back.
The home of Mbari houses sculptural works. These sculptures are robust
art manifestations of the prevalent social life and a monumental art
sacrifice to "ALA" the earth goodness. In Mbari, Imo State there are
very many objects like the terrorising beast, the plastic forms of
symbols of the prevalent deities among which is the "ALA" herself, the
Amadioha (Thunder god), the Ogwugwu (forest god) each deity with his
or her mystical messengers such as snakes, monkeys, rams, tortoise and
owl are properly represented. A number of symbolic models were
sculptured or painted. These sculptures reflect the lgbo aesthetics.
The Mbari Cultural Centre is an open air museum and found in Ikenegbu
layout Owerri and at Eke-Nguru in Aboh Mbaise.
ASUMPTA CATHEDRAL
Located in the centre of Owerri, it is reputed to be the biggest
Catholic Church in West Africa, fashioned in Italian architectural
design.
Christianity is the main religion in Owerri and that's why the city is
home to the finest church in the West Africa. It's a catholic church
with breath taking Italian architecture. Even if you are not
Christian, a visit to Asumpta Cathedral would be worth it as this
place has an insane energy and reflects a magnanimous aura that lures
the visitors and ultimately you end up appreciating this place.
IMO WONDERLAKE RESORT, OGUTA
This is the second largest freshwater lake in Nigeria and it is
surrounded with evergreen environs of the poetic beauty.
AMADIOHA SHRINE
A mysterious shrine and many more mysterious destinations. The state
also has athletic facilities equipped with modern fitting and fixtures
and provides world class service.
ABADABA LAKE RESORT
The lake resort which is situated in Obowo LGA has a fresh and muddy
colour water body which is festooned with a luxuriant raffia palm and
bamboo trees adding to its aestheticism. The lake is accessed through
Owerri/Umuahia road, stop at Avutu.
NGWU SPRING NATURAL WATER
The Ngwu spring water known as Iyi Umugara is found in Nkwere LGA and
it is sparkling natural water, pure and crystal-like. The stream which
is formed by the cascading spring water is a mystery because its
volume and flow increases mostly during dry season.
EZE SILVER IBENYI UGBALA II PALACE, ORLU
It is a traditional court palace with its mysteries, historical and
archeological discoveries. A custodian of Igbo culture and tradition,
the palace is an ideal place for Igbo cultural studies.
PALM BEACH HOLIDAY RESORT, AWO-OMAMA
Located in Awo-Omama, it is a beach that is associated with palm trees
and beautiful environment for relaxation.
ROLLING HILLS, OKIGWE
Located in the ancient city of Okigwe, the hills which comprise a
series of hills that expand from Ihube to Okigwe town into the
northern border, provide a great site for camping and picnicking.
THE SOURCES OF URASHI RIVER
Located in Ezeama community in Dikenafai in Ideato-south LGA, this is
a spring which has mysterious source from a rope-like feather
stretching from a mountainous substance. The spring is believed to
have been the source of
Urashi River which stretches from Ideato south to north, terminating
in Oguido where the blue lake and Urashi River is located.
IYI OGIDI SPRING
Located in Ofeahia Amaifeke autonomous community in Orlu LGA, the
spring water here bubbles up from five separate channels in a
pleasant, serene spot. The British built a hill station here in
colonial times.
IYI OKWU SPRING
Iyi Okwu spring is located at Okwuepe village in Ebenese Ihioma
autonomous community in Orlu LGA. The spring, which gushes out from a
rock on the hill in pipe-like manner laid by nature is very clean and
pure as it rushes with intensity downwards.
EDEMILI LAKE
This Lake occupies a wetland, which is more of a swampy environment
and it is located in Awo Idemili about 2km from the local government
headquarters. It has a palm beach setting with so many palm fruits
occupying a large area of land.
EKWE AND EBENATOR SPRINGS
Ekwe and Ebenator springs located in Isu LGA is one of the notable
spring sites. About 30years ago, the people of Ekwe community
constructed a big slab at the Ishiyi with pipes to draw their drinking
water. The evidence collected from here throws more lights on the past
and ancient culture.
Other places of interest and attraction include;
Blue Obana Lake.
Abadaba Lake
Ancestral Home of King Jaja of Opobo
Ahiajoku Festival, which is observed in all the farming communities.
National Museum which is located in owerri showcases various exhibits
of Imo's traditional system.
Mbari kitchen for high life instrumental bands, watch footballs and cinema
place surrounded by rivers – Otamiri River in the east and River
Nworie in the south. So if you are planning a vacation in this city or
going for some other reasons, then do stay prepared because you are
bound to find some amazing places to visit. And surely travel to
Owerri will be the most memorable one.
So without further ado, let's figure out the best tourist attractions
in Imo State.
IMO CARNIVAL
Imo Carnival is a festival in Nigeria, also tagged "Celebration of
unity", was created as part of the vision of making Imo State in
Nigeria. The carnival has been designed to be an annual event. It has
boosted the cultural mosaic of the Nigerian people while entertaining
millions of spectators/visitors within and outside the State, thereby
boosting the tourism industry for all stakeholders. Buchi George is
the initiator and the founder of Imo Carnival, also the executive
director Imo carnival development commission.
OGUTA LAKE, OGUTA
Oguta Lake is the largest natural lake in Imo State and is supposed to
have originated from a natural depression. The lake is of immense
value to the people of Oguta, Orsu, Nkwesi and Awo.
In the colonial era, the Oguta Lake was a port for the evacuation of
palm products and the relics of the jetties used by the United African
Company (U.A.C.) still exist today. During the civil war, the Oguta
Lake was a marine base for the Biafran Navy. Oguta Lake is such a
place where one can have calm and soothing time enjoying the perks of
nature. You can take a cruise in the lake. And it's a paradise for
golf lovers as there is an 18-hole golf course situated next to the
lake. Cruise, golf and nature – you got to admit, Oguta Lake deserves
a visit from you whether you are vacationing in the city or doing
business. And a little piece of advice is to visit it in the early
hours of the day and leave the place before sunset because it is far
away from main city.
OGUTA LAKE MOTEL
Located about 40km away from Owerri, this motel and tourist resort is
a 3-star hotel aimed at attracting tourists to Oguta Lake. It was
originally established as a retreat and get away spot for the colonial
rulers and this resort has been upgraded and equipped with modern
facilities to help boost tourism potential of Oguta Lake.
AMUSEMENT PARK OWERRI
This Park was created for relaxation and entertainment for families,
visitors and children within the Owerri community. Vacationing with
children and visiting amusement park seems totally legit. It might
sound a bit boring but sometimes it's good to let the kids come out
and have fun.
NEKEDE ZOO
This is a biological garden complex located at old Nekede in Owerri.
The Zoo has stock of different animals ranging from Lions, Pythons,
Monkey, Ostrich, Crocodile, Cattle Egret, Guerrilla, and different
birds.
ADA PALM PLANTATION COMPLEX
Established in 1974, Ada palm is the biggest and most viable oil palm
plantation in West Africa. The palm plantation, which occupies about
4,310 hectares of land, with a housing estate, was one of the nation's
major sources of foreign exchange before the discovery of petroleum.
This plantation lies in the parcel of land between Amafor and Egbema
in Ohiji/Egbema LGA. Access is Owerri to Port-Harcourt road; turn
right to Amafor about 20km from Owerri.
Ada palm plantation complex has a great economic value not only for
Nigeria but for Africa as well. The visit here will guide you about
the country's legacy in palm plantation. And like Oguta Lake, go there
in the morning because it is located almost out of the city and
driving to and fro would take couple of hours.
MBARI CULTURAL AND ART CENTRE
Of course a city's attraction is not complete without including an
epic art centre. Mbari cultural and art centre is basically a museum
that collects monumental art pieces. Honestly, it's not as much
promising as it should be but art fanatics would find this place very
interesting and laid back.
The home of Mbari houses sculptural works. These sculptures are robust
art manifestations of the prevalent social life and a monumental art
sacrifice to "ALA" the earth goodness. In Mbari, Imo State there are
very many objects like the terrorising beast, the plastic forms of
symbols of the prevalent deities among which is the "ALA" herself, the
Amadioha (Thunder god), the Ogwugwu (forest god) each deity with his
or her mystical messengers such as snakes, monkeys, rams, tortoise and
owl are properly represented. A number of symbolic models were
sculptured or painted. These sculptures reflect the lgbo aesthetics.
The Mbari Cultural Centre is an open air museum and found in Ikenegbu
layout Owerri and at Eke-Nguru in Aboh Mbaise.
ASUMPTA CATHEDRAL
Located in the centre of Owerri, it is reputed to be the biggest
Catholic Church in West Africa, fashioned in Italian architectural
design.
Christianity is the main religion in Owerri and that's why the city is
home to the finest church in the West Africa. It's a catholic church
with breath taking Italian architecture. Even if you are not
Christian, a visit to Asumpta Cathedral would be worth it as this
place has an insane energy and reflects a magnanimous aura that lures
the visitors and ultimately you end up appreciating this place.
IMO WONDERLAKE RESORT, OGUTA
This is the second largest freshwater lake in Nigeria and it is
surrounded with evergreen environs of the poetic beauty.
AMADIOHA SHRINE
A mysterious shrine and many more mysterious destinations. The state
also has athletic facilities equipped with modern fitting and fixtures
and provides world class service.
ABADABA LAKE RESORT
The lake resort which is situated in Obowo LGA has a fresh and muddy
colour water body which is festooned with a luxuriant raffia palm and
bamboo trees adding to its aestheticism. The lake is accessed through
Owerri/Umuahia road, stop at Avutu.
NGWU SPRING NATURAL WATER
The Ngwu spring water known as Iyi Umugara is found in Nkwere LGA and
it is sparkling natural water, pure and crystal-like. The stream which
is formed by the cascading spring water is a mystery because its
volume and flow increases mostly during dry season.
EZE SILVER IBENYI UGBALA II PALACE, ORLU
It is a traditional court palace with its mysteries, historical and
archeological discoveries. A custodian of Igbo culture and tradition,
the palace is an ideal place for Igbo cultural studies.
PALM BEACH HOLIDAY RESORT, AWO-OMAMA
Located in Awo-Omama, it is a beach that is associated with palm trees
and beautiful environment for relaxation.
ROLLING HILLS, OKIGWE
Located in the ancient city of Okigwe, the hills which comprise a
series of hills that expand from Ihube to Okigwe town into the
northern border, provide a great site for camping and picnicking.
THE SOURCES OF URASHI RIVER
Located in Ezeama community in Dikenafai in Ideato-south LGA, this is
a spring which has mysterious source from a rope-like feather
stretching from a mountainous substance. The spring is believed to
have been the source of
Urashi River which stretches from Ideato south to north, terminating
in Oguido where the blue lake and Urashi River is located.
IYI OGIDI SPRING
Located in Ofeahia Amaifeke autonomous community in Orlu LGA, the
spring water here bubbles up from five separate channels in a
pleasant, serene spot. The British built a hill station here in
colonial times.
IYI OKWU SPRING
Iyi Okwu spring is located at Okwuepe village in Ebenese Ihioma
autonomous community in Orlu LGA. The spring, which gushes out from a
rock on the hill in pipe-like manner laid by nature is very clean and
pure as it rushes with intensity downwards.
EDEMILI LAKE
This Lake occupies a wetland, which is more of a swampy environment
and it is located in Awo Idemili about 2km from the local government
headquarters. It has a palm beach setting with so many palm fruits
occupying a large area of land.
EKWE AND EBENATOR SPRINGS
Ekwe and Ebenator springs located in Isu LGA is one of the notable
spring sites. About 30years ago, the people of Ekwe community
constructed a big slab at the Ishiyi with pipes to draw their drinking
water. The evidence collected from here throws more lights on the past
and ancient culture.
Other places of interest and attraction include;
Blue Obana Lake.
Abadaba Lake
Ancestral Home of King Jaja of Opobo
Ahiajoku Festival, which is observed in all the farming communities.
National Museum which is located in owerri showcases various exhibits
of Imo's traditional system.
Mbari kitchen for high life instrumental bands, watch footballs and cinema
Nice blog.... Thanks for sharing useful information.
ReplyDeletetourist attractions in Nigeria
Great information, but the use of imagery (pictures) would have covert your audience more convincingly.
ReplyDelete