[3] It has a long history as the headquarters for the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and humanitarian relief agencies during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

The city centre of the local government area is within the host towns of Amaifeke, Ihioma/Ebenese, Umuna, Umuowa, Umutanze, Okporo, Orlu-Gedegwum,Amike and Owerre-Ebeiri.

The Nigeria Immigration Training School (NITS) in Umuowa and the Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (TESAC) are also based in the city.

The footballer Samuel Okwaraji who died playing for Nigeria hails from Umudioka Orlu, hence the city's main stadium name, Umuowa.

The former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, hails from Amaifeke Orlu while the immediate past governor, and current Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District and Chairman of House Committee on Culture & Tourism Owelle Rochas Okorocha hails from Ogboko where the Eastern Palm University is located, in the outskirts of the city.