Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on Sunday announced a N10 million gift for Jeremiah Obaji, a Trek-a-thon Hero who trekked 17 days from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Obaji, an indigene of the newly created Anioma autonomous community in the defunct Effium community, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, arrived in Abakaliki on Sunday, making it a total of 17 days since he embarked on the journey.
He said he decided to trek to Abakaliki to appreciate Governor Francis Nwifuru for restoring peace to the Effium community, which was ravaged by a communal war that claimed hundreds of lives and property worth billions of naira.
He commended the Governor for restoring permanent peace in the troubled community, saying that there could not have been any other way to appreciate the Governor than the trek to Abakaliki.
“My community was in serious crisis. Many souls were lost, and many properties were destroyed. My parents, in-laws, and other relatives are here in Abakaliki because of this war.
“I have been the one taking care of all of them, and I developed high blood pressure because of what I have been passing through over this crisis.
“I am based in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where I am doing business, and I thought of what to do to appreciate our dear Governor who restored peace to my community because past administrations tried to restore peace but could not succeed.
“So, I decided that I must trek to Abakaliki from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to appreciate him, and here I am to thank you, Your Excellency,” he told the Chief of Staff to Governor Francis Nwifuru, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, who received him on behalf of the Governor.
Receiving him, Nwifuru assured that he will continue to ensure peace in different parts of the state as part of his People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.
He commended Obaji for trekking such a long distance to Abakaliki to appreciate him and announced a cash gift of N10 million for him to take care of his health following his worn-out appearance as a result of the long trek.
