I want to introduce you to Afikpo Town.

Afikpo, located in Ebonyi State, is the second largest town in the state and serves as the headquarters of Afikpo North Local Government Area. This town is made up of twenty-two villages, each varying in size, such as Ozizza, Ohaisu, Nkpoghoro, and Itim. Previously, the old Afikpo Province covered areas like Unwana, Edda, Amaseri, and Akpoha. However, with the creation of more local governments in Ebonyi State, the administrative boundaries of the old Afikpo Province were redrawn, reducing its geographic size.

Afikpo is renowned for being the birthplace of accomplished Nigerian men and women. One notable figure is the late Dr. Akanu Ibiam of Uwana, who was one of the first Igbo medical doctors and a former Governor of the Eastern Region. This town serves as a cultural hub for ancient Igbo traditions and has preserved antique masks with great care under the supervision of the state’s tourism board. Numerous archaeological discoveries validate the existence of Afikpo civilization dating back to the Neolithic age.

Primarily known for its farming and trading communities, Afikpo is a major producer of agricultural products in Nigeria. The town boasts a variety of crops, including yam, palm produce, maize, groundnut, plantain, banana, cassava, fruits, and vegetables. Afikpo is also home to the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Uwana and the Mater Misericordia Specialist Hospital. The Mater Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery, established by Irish missionaries and holds the distinction of being the first nursing schools in Nigeria.

If you are planning to visit an Igbo town this Christmas, consider adding Afikpo to your list.