By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara, Abakaliki
Timothy Nwachi, the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, has restated his commitment to prioritising the interests of Afikpo people through strategic interventions in innovation, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
In an exclusive interview, the council boss said his administration is anchored on honouring the legacy of Afikpo’s contributions to the state and the region, while preparing the area for the demands of modern development.
“For me as a person, prioritising the interests of my people, the good people of Afikpo Local Government, became the topmost priority of my administration,” he stated.
“Afikpo, as a people, has been on the line of civilisation. The first Governor of the Eastern Region, late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, was from Afikpo. He also played a pivotal role in the creation of Ebonyi State. His visit to General Abacha in Abuja was instrumental to the birth of the state we enjoy today.”
According to him, building on that legacy means understanding what the people need and responding appropriately.
Speaking on innovation, the chairman revealed that Afikpo is set to host a high-tech automobile diagnostic centre in collaboration with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM).
“Technology is the backbone of modern society. During an interactive session with automobile technicians in Afikpo, they requested a dedicated mechanical village. That discussion sparked the idea,” he said.
He explained that Afikpo, being the second-largest city in Ebonyi State and a hub for visitors with modern vehicles, needed advanced diagnostic support. The council approached Innoson, who agreed to provide an electronic diagnostic machine to assist local technicians in detecting faults in modern automobiles.
“We provided land, began construction, and engaged them. As I speak, the structure is ongoing and at an advanced stage. The equipment and facilities that will accompany it are also in the pipeline. This will benefit both indigenous residents and visitors alike.”
On the issue of healthcare, the council boss acknowledged the efforts of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in deploying doctors and health workers to general and primary health centres across the state, including Afikpo.
He said his administration complemented those efforts by addressing access challenges to existing facilities.
“We discovered that the health centre in Ugwegu was inaccessible due to poor road conditions. So, we quickly intervened and constructed a bridge, which has been completed. Once the rains subside a bit, work will continue to make the road fully accessible,” he noted.
In addition, another dilapidated health centre in a separate community has been rehabilitated and painted to create a conducive environment for both health workers and patients.
“Our goal is to ensure that wherever a health centre exists, it is accessible, functional, and welcoming to those seeking medical help,” he added.
The council chairman affirmed that his administration remains committed to innovative, people-focused governance.
“We are guided by our heritage, inspired by the needs of our people, and driven by innovation. Our focus is to make Afikpo not only historically proud but also functionally ready for the future.”