Afikpo is the second largest town in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Until recently it was the home Local Government Area of the late Eze (DR) Akanu Ibiam, who hails from the village of Unwana. Dr. Ibiam was one of the first Igbo medical doctors and the former Governor of Eastern region.

The town had an estimated population of 672,000 in 2005. Afikpo is a mecca of ancient Igbo tradition and ceremonial (now antique) masks which have been carefully preserved by the state tourism board. Afikpo is an ancient town. Several archeological findings support the claim that Afikpo civilisation existed as far back as the Neolithic age. Afikpo hosts the Prestigious Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Uwana and the legendary Mater Misericordia Specialist Hospital, Afikpo. The Mater Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery was one of the first and probably remains the finest nursing school established in Nigeria by the Irish missionaries and Dr. Akanu Ibiam.

Afikpo has produced numerous academicians, Governors, and world class businessmen. Life is a little bit less rancorous and peaceful in Afikpo than similar cities elsewhere in Nigeria. The city however has recently been experiencing an acute shortage of residential accommodation, especially for the civil servants. That problem is thus being adequately addressed by the state Government. Afikpo is a major food basket of Nigeria.

Afikpo is comprised of the following urban communities: Ozizza, Ohaisu, Nkpoghoro, and Itim.

Afikpo Town is the Headquarters of Afikpo North Local Government. It is the second most popular and second most important town in Ebonyi state.

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