Achi, Enugu
Achi is a town located in Enugu State in Nigeria.
However, it is the largest town in Oji River Local Government area of Enugu State. Achi town is made up of 12 villages - "isii na ulo, isii na agu" as the natives say. That phrase literally means that there are 6 villages in the northern section of the town and 6 villages in the southern section (if you imaginarily divide the town into two sections).
Achi town in surrounded by some other towns namely Isuochi (in Abia State), Inyi (also part of Oji River LGA of Enugu State, Ugbo, and Obeagu (Awgu LGA of Enugu State) and Some parts of Udi LGA of area of Enugu State.
There are several primary schools in Achi with all 12 villages having at least one primary school. The oldest Secondary educational institutions in Achi include Corpus Christi College (founded in 1960), Girls Secondary School (founded in 1962).
Another popular institution is the Achi Joint Hospital, which is a fairly old hospital. For several years it was and perhaps is still the best hospital in what used to be known as Awgu division in the then East Central State.
The land and people of Achi are very hospitable and known to be particularly brilliant. Achi is generally made up of sandy soil which is not particularly fertile. As a result, Achi town and people are not known for the cultivation of any particular crop. However, it is an obvious fact that Cashew trees and mellon do grow fairly well in Achi. However Achi people cannot legitimately lay claim to be the biggest producer (or even a genuine contender) of any cash crop in Eastern Nigeria.
Interestingly there is a fairly old institution known as Achi Farm School (founded in 1960 or there-abouts). The institution has for several years been training agricultural extension officers who are currently scattered all over eastern Nigeria.
Achi people however are known to be very hospitable and they are most notable for the manner in which they entertain their guests. Achi people entertain their visitors by preparing cassava by form of dishes and serving with fish or meat. A visit to Achi they say lasts for a century in the minds of the visitors.
The most popular village at Achi is Isikwe. Isikwe comprises Umuakpu, Obinagu,Abor and other minor villages. Umuakpu is termed 'Small London' because of its numerous modern buildings owned by its men and women mainly residing at Europe and United States of America. Umuakpu has is own water pipe line, electrification and telephone system. Umuakpu is noted for its production of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, economists, modern businessmen and other professionals.
Obinagu people are mainly farmers and local traders and very good at keeping traditions. Abor is a modern village with honest and reputable indigenes spread across the country and abroad. Apart from that the people of Achi also hold high esteem for their country home called Elugwu Achi. It is believed that it was the first home settlement of the people of Achi before they spread to other areas of the town, the place till today is where they settle their differences among member villages and towns and crown their sons and daughters who have done marvelously well in the growth and development of the area.