An Ebonyi man based in Lagos, Comrade Jeremiah Obaji, yesterday narrated his ordeal on the road after trekking for 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

He said he embarked on the trek to express gratitude to Governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring peace in the troubled Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Council of the state.

During the journey, Obaji explained that he faced hunger, fatigue, and insect bites, and at some point had to abandon his jeans due to blisters and fears 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.

In a chat with reporters 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.

He added that the trek also gave him the opportunity to reconcile with old friends and meet displaced Ebonyi youths working menial jobs outside of 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 N10 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.