Ehugbo

Ehugbo often referred to as Afikpo, is the second largest urban area in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It is the headquarters of the Afikpo North Local Government Area.

Landscape around Afikpo

Ehugbo dancers

Afikpo Ali Ehugbo Omaka-ejali Ehugbo
City
Afikpo Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 5°53′N 7°56′E
Country	Nigeria
State	Ebonyi State
Population  (2006)
• Total	156,611

It is situated in the southern part of Ebonyi State and is bordered to the north by the town of Akpoha, to the south by Unwana, to the south west by Edda LGA, to the east by the Cross River State and to the west by Amasiri town. Afikpo spans an area approximately 164 square kilometers in size. It is located on 6 degrees north latitude and 8 degrees east longitude. It occupies an area of about 64 square miles (164 km²). Afikpo is a hilly area despite occupying a region low in altitude, which rises 350 feet above sea level. It is a transitional area between open grassland and tropical forest and has an average annual rainfall of seventy-seven inches (198 cm.)

The population of Afikpo is estimated at 156,611, according to the Nigerian 2006 Census.

Igbo traditional centre

Afikpo is a centre of ancient Igbo tradition. Ceremonial (now antique) masks have been carefully preserved by the state tourism board. Afikpo is an ancient city-state. Several archaeological findings support the claim that Afikpo civilisation existed as far back as the Neolithic age.

There is a rite of passage for every male child from Afikpo. This entails initiation into the Ogo cult. It is shrouded in secrecy and mystery, as women are not let into the workings of the cult. This confers adulthood to the male child.