- Nwifuru Gifts ₦10m to Man Who Trekked 17 Days From Lagos to Ebonyi
- Obaji explained that along the journey he battled hunger, fatigue, and insect bites
- Obaji began the journey on August 21, 2025, and arrived in Abakaliki on September 7, 2025
An Ebonyi indigene based in Lagos, Comrade Jeremiah Obaji, on Tuesday recounted his ordeal after trekking for 17 days from Ikorodu in Lagos State to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to express gratitude to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for restoring peace in the troubled Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Obaji explained that along the journey he battled hunger, fatigue, and insect bites. At one point, blisters forced him to abandon his jeans, and he admitted he was afraid of being kidnapped.
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He began the journey on August 21, 2025, and arrived in Abakaliki on September 7, 2025, covering more than 600 kilometres on foot.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, Obaji said the trek was his personal way of appreciating Governor Nwifuru for brokering peace in the long-standing Ezza Effium conflict through the creation of five autonomous communities.
“I didn’t know I was criticising my saviour. I fought him on social media, not realising he would be the one to bring peace to my community. This trek was my sacrifice of gratitude. Peace is priceless,” Obaji said.
He recalled how the Effium crisis displaced his family and many others, bringing severe hardship, but noted that the Governor’s intervention had ended years of bloodshed.
Obaji added that the journey also gave him the chance to reconnect with old friends and interact with displaced Ebonyi youths engaged in menial jobs outside school.
As news of his trek circulated on social media, admirers and supporters pledged various donations, including a car, landed property, and financial assistance.
Governor Nwifuru commended his effort, describing it as proof of the success of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs policy.
The Governor further announced a ₦10 million gift to Obaji to support his recovery and encourage his peace advocacy.
Obaji, however, said his ultimate plan is to establish a Peace Foundation to educate youths on nonviolence and support children displaced by conflict.
“I am not hungry. God has blessed me in business. What I want now is to become an ambassador of peace,” he added.
