Governor

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has awarded N10 million to Jeremiah Obaji, a 37-year-old businessman who trekked from Lagos to Abakaliki to express gratitude for the governor’s peacebuilding initiatives.

Obaji began the 633-kilometre journey on August 22, 2025, travelling only during the day and resting in villages at night.

He arrived in Abakaliki on Sunday morning, where he was received by cheering residents before being formally welcomed by the Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Echiegu, on behalf of the governor.

Advertisement

Nigeria ranked fourth globally in school attacks — UN

Nwifuru commended Obaji’s determination and described the trek as a rare show of solidarity. He announced the cash reward as recognition of Obaji’s effort to honour the government’s role in restoring peace to the crisis-hit Effium/Ezza-Effium community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

Speaking after the presentation, Obaji said his action was driven by gratitude.

“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,” he said.

Nwifuru’s media aide, Wisdom Nwedene, said the large crowd that welcomed Obaji reflected Ebonyians’ appreciation for the peace restored under Nwifuru’s administration.

The Star

Advertisement