A Lagos-based Ebonyi indigene, Comrade Jeremiah Obaji, on Tuesday shared his experience after trekking for 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos, to Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, as a gesture of appreciation to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for restoring peace in the crisis-hit Effium community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
Obaji recounted enduring hunger, exhaustion, and insect bites during the journey, even discarding his jeans due to severe blisters. He also admitted fearing possible abduction at certain points.
Starting his trek on August 21, 2025, Obaji arrived in Abakaliki on September 7, 2025, having walked over 600 kilometres.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, he said the long walk was his personal way of thanking Governor Nwifuru for resolving the Ezza-Effium conflict by creating 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.
