Governor Nwifuru Rewards Ebonyi Man with ₦10m After Trek from Lagos to Abakaliki

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has rewarded a businessman, Jeremiah Obaji, with ₦10 million after he trekked from Lagos to Abakaliki to show support for the governor’s peace efforts.

Obaji, 37, who embarked on the journey on 22 August, covered about 633 kilometres on foot, spending 17 days on the road. He walked during the day and rested at night in nearby villages, relying on the goodwill of strangers along the way.

On Sunday morning, he finally arrived in Abakaliki, where a large crowd of residents gathered to welcome him. He was later received by Governor Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Echiegu, who handed him the ₦10 million cash gift on behalf of the government.

Obaji explained that his trek was inspired by the governor’s role in restoring peace to the Effium and Ezza-Effium communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The conflict, which began in January 2021 over a political and economic dispute, escalated into widespread violence that claimed many lives, destroyed property, and displaced thousands of people.

“My community was in a serious crisis. Many lives were lost, and properties destroyed. I trekked to Abakaliki to thank Governor Nwifuru for restoring peace,” Obaji said.

His media aide, Wisdom Nwedene, also praised the governor for his leadership, noting that the massive crowd that received Obaji demonstrated the value Ebonyians place on peace and stability.

In May this year, Governor Nwifuru signed a peace accord into law, initiated land demarcation, and approved the creation of five autonomous communities—three for Effium indigenes and two for their Ezza counterparts. While the move has been commended by many, leaders of the Effium community have opposed parts of the decision and vowed to challenge it in court, alleging bias.