An Ebonyi man, Comrade Jeremiah Obaji, who trekked from Ikorodu in Lagos State to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, has received a ₦10 million gift from Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his show of gratitude.
Obaji, who covered over 600 kilometres in 17 days, said his journey was to thank the Governor for restoring peace in Effium community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, through the creation of five autonomous communities.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, Obaji explained, “I didn’t know I was criticising my saviour. I fought him on social media, not knowing he would be the one to bring peace to my community. This trek was my sacrifice of gratitude. Peace is priceless.”
He recalled how the Effium crisis displaced families, including his own, causing years of hardship. He said the Governor’s intervention ended the bloodshed.
Obaji narrated his ordeals on the road, saying, “I faced hunger, fatigue, and insect bites, and at some point had to abandon my jeans due to blisters. At a point, I became afraid of being kidnapped.”
The trek, which began on August 21 and ended on September 7, also gave him a chance to reconnect with old friends and meet displaced Ebonyi youths struggling in menial jobs outside school.
As news of his journey spread on social media, Obaji received several pledges of support, including a car, land, and financial donations.
Governor Nwifuru praised his sacrifice, calling it proof of the success of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs policy. He then announced a ₦10 million gift to support Obaji’s recovery and peace campaign.
Obaji said he hopes to use the goodwill to set up a Peace Foundation to educate youths on non-violence and assist 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.
