•Governor Nwifuru and Comrade Obaji
An Ebonyi man based in Lagos, Comrade Jeremiah Obaji, today narrated his ordeals on the road after he trekked for 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, to express gratitude to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for restoring peace in the troubled Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.
During the journey, Obaji said he faced hunger, fatigue, and insect bites, and at some point had to abandon his jeans due to blisters, adding that at one point in time, he was afraid of being kidnapped.
Obaji, who began his journey on August 21, 2025, arrived in Abakaliki on September 7, 2025, covering over 600 kilometres on foot, reports The Guardian.
In a chat with newsmen in Abakaliki, he said the trek was his way of thanking Governor Nwifuru for brokering peace in the 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 knowing he would be the one to bring peace to my community. This trek was my sacrifice of gratitude. Peace is priceless,” Obaji said.
He narrated how the Effium crisis displaced his family and others, causing untold hardship, and noted that the Governor’s intervention brought an end to years of bloodshed.
“I faced hunger, fatigue, and insect bites, and at some point had to abandon my jeans due to blisters, and at a point I became afraid of being kidnapped,” Obaji narrated.
He added that the trek also allowed him to reconcile with old friends and meet displaced Ebonyi youths working menial jobs outside school.
As news of his trek spread on social media, admirers and supporters pledged donations, including a car, landed property, and financial gifts.
Governor Nwifuru commended his sacrifice, describing it as a testimony to the success of his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs policy. The governor also 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 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.
