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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, yesterday, announced N10 million gift for Jeremiah Obaji, a middle-aged man who trekked for 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 Abakaliki yesterday, making it a total of 17 days that he embarked on the journey.
He said he decided to trek to Abakaliki to thank Governor Nwifuru for restoring peace to the Effium community, which was ravaged by 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 couldn’t have been any other way to appreciate the Governor other than the trek-ton-trekking.
“My community was in a serious crisis. Many souls were lost and many property 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 BP 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 couldn’t 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 Chief of Staff to Governor Nwifuru, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu who received him on behalf of the governor.
Nwifuru assured that he would continue to ensure peace in different parts of development 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 body following his bad looks as a result of the long walk.
