Comrade Jeremiah Obaji, an Ebonyi native residing in Lagos, completed a grueling 17-day, 600-kilometer trek from Ikorodu, Lagos, to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to express gratitude to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for resolving the long-standing Ezza-Effium conflict in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
Arriving on September 7, 2025, after starting his journey on August 21, Obaji described the trek as a “sacrifice of gratitude” for the governor’s role in brokering peace by creating five autonomous communities in the troubled Effium area.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Obaji recounted the hardships he endured, including hunger, fatigue, insect bites, and blisters that forced him to abandon his jeans. He also admitted to fearing kidnapping during the journey.
“I didn’t know I was criticizing my savior,” Obaji said, reflecting on his earlier social media criticism of Nwifuru. “This trek was my way of thanking him. Peace is priceless.”
The conflict, which displaced his family and caused widespread hardship, had persisted for years until the governor’s intervention ended the bloodshed.Obaji’s trek also became a journey of reconnection, as he reconciled with old friends and met displaced Ebonyi youths working menial jobs.
His story gained traction online, prompting pledges from admirers, including a car, landed property, and cash donations.
Governor Nwifuru praised Obaji’s sacrifice as a testament to his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs policy and gifted him ₦10 million to aid his recovery and support his peace advocacy.
Obaji, a successful businessman, said his focus is not personal gain but establishing a Peace Foundation to promote non-violence among youths and assist children displaced by conflict.
“I am not hungry. God has blessed me. What I want now is to become an ambassador of peace,” he declared.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
