Olanrewaju Oyedeji
For someone visiting Imo state for the first time, the reviews on the state would have been much of diverse, from Tourism to hospitality and a rich culture.
Coming from any part of the country, it is most likely that you would get to the popular control where the gigantic Assumpta Church is located before you can actually say that you are welcome to Owerri.
The beauty that welcomes you is soothing and long journeys with little smile can become relaxing in a matter of few minutes when you step into Owerri. Many persons who have not come into the city before already have an idea of what it looks like.
All of this was same when this reporter visited Imo state for the first time, the first attraction was not just the beautiful nature of the state but the seeming fun-fair and corporate success around activities in the state.
Imo state is not just another Nigerian state but one of the best blessed South-Eastern states in the country. Blessed with Agricultural capabilities, natural tourist attractions, hospitability, commercial acceptability and lots more, Imo state has continued to endear itself to many as a place to be even if it means visiting.
This is not to mention the Crude Oil and Gas availability
Little wonder why many persons throng the Capital city, Owerri. Owerri is the state’s largest city followed by Orlu and Okigwe.
In Owerri, you cannot lose sense of investments surrounding you and the interesting fact is that while most investments are carried out by sons and daughters of the state who mostly stay out of the country, the state has been able to draw international attention to the huge opportunities available there. It is not a strange feat for you to see hotels of high quality at your turn and when this reporter asked the question of patronage, one of the hotel Chief Executive Officers stated that hotels get their own patronage so the competition is healthy.
“Many persons travel to Imo state here, so the reception is healthy and welcomed” one of the top hoteliers said. To some the booming nightlife in Owerri is enough reason why they should be in the city especially with the strong believe that such relaxation is needed after a long day at work.
Another attraction to the state capital is the commercial acceptability. There is also a serene atmosphere in the capital city from Egbu road where transportation businesses have found strength in an organized manner to Douglas which is the home of banks, small and medium scale enterprises and people of diverse locations.
When this reporter spoke to a correspondent who identified himself as Emeka on why he moved to Owerri, he noted that he sees Owerri as his dream location. Such is the acceptance of the capital city of Imo state that it is not strange to see people who are not indigenes of the state preferring to be found there.
Owerri hosts important educational institutions such as Federal University of Technology (Owerri) , Imo state polytechnic, African Institute of Science and Technology , Federal College of Land Resources among other institutions and at such hosts thousands of students from diverse locations many of who want to stay back after their educational sojourn.
While some say the state capital has so much possibilities that it takes some financial discipline to live well especially with new interesting developments daily, the Imo state Capital is fast becoming a choice for investors and peace-loving residents.
Fashion is also another trending business in Owerri with the economic potential of the sector very enormous in Owerri, mostly due to youth presence.
For the Managing Director of Valla Sur Hotels, Owerri, Udechukwu Nnadozie, the ambience of doing business in Owerri makes it encouraging for investors to throng the capital city.
Another peculiarity about Owerri is the city’s acceptance of Technology, youth-centred developmental centres and many other fascinating investments. The capital city also has rich production in Agriculture such as Yams, Cassava, Taro, Corn, Rubber and Palm Products.
Owerri also houses an Airport which provides flight services to four states in the country.
Owerri is known for Ofe Owerri which means Owerri soup prepared with different ingredients such as Snails, Ponmo(Cow Skin), Goat Meat among others.
While the state government has continued to express readiness to continue to develop Owerri and the entire state as a whole, the opportunities presented by Owerri continue to evolve.
