How Ebonyi man Trekked for 17 days from Lagos to Abakaliki over peace restoration
It was indeed a great moment as an Ebonyi-born businessman based in Lagos, Comrade Jeremiah Obaji trekked for 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Government House, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital.
The reason for the trip, according to Obaji was a way of expressing gratitude to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for restoring peace in the war-torn Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
Obaji, who began his journey on August 21, 2025, arrived Abakaliki on September 7, 2025 covering over 600 kilometers on foot.
Assessing newsmen in Abakaliki after his arrival, the 37-year-old businessman emphasized that exercise 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 criticizing my savior. 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 to the generality of Ebonyi people on way or the other.
He noted that the Governor’s intervention brought an end to years of bloodshed and inter-tribal conflict.
During the journey, Obaji said he faced hunger, fatigue, and insect bites, and at some point had to abandon his jeans due to blisters.
He added that his trekking also allowed him to reconcile with old friends and meet displaced Ebonyi youths doing menial jobs outside the State.
As news of his trekking spread on social media, admirers and supporters pledged donations, including a car, landed property, and financial gifts.
Governor Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, received Obaji at the Government House and commended his sacrifice.
He described the adventure 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 agenda.
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. Our Governor has really done well to better the lot of Ebonyi State and we have to support him”.
