Owerri is the capital of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, in the heart of Igboland. Local tradition holds it was founded in the 14th century by Ekwem Oha, and it served as the final capital of the breakaway Republic of Biafra in 1969 after Nigerian forces captured Enugu and Umuahia. Its population was estimated at 1,401,873 in 2016 across three local government areas. Owerri is known for its nightlife, hotels and leisure parks, for the Assumpta Cathedral seat of its Roman Catholic archdiocese, and as the birthplace of footballers Nwankwo Kanu and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Facts
Area (sq km) Founding Year Population Estimate Year Elevation (m) FAQs
Why is Owerri called the Las Vegas of Africa?
Because of its night life and its many hotels and leisure parks.
Owerri is also called the Las Vegas of Africa because of the night life of the city and the numerous hotels, casinos and leisure parks found across it.
Sources
1. Owerri (Wikidata)
P1082 (population)
population 908,109 (2021)
P625 (coordinate location)
latitude 5.483333, longitude 7.033333
P2044 (elevation above sea level)
elevation 158 m
P2046 (area)
area 104.0 sq km
P1082 (population), P585 (point in time)
population 908109 (2021)
View the Source2. Owerri (Wikipedia)
History section
Owerri was founded by in the 14 century CE by Ekwem Oha.
- In Group: Cities of Western Africa (World), Wikipedia; part-of country and UN M49 subregion
View the SourceWikidata: Owerri
Wikidata Q583619, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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