Chief Willie Obiano is a well-known person in the Nigerian political and financial spheres. He is a senior banker who transitioned into politics and became the meritorious fifth Executive Governor of Anambra State, a position he held with distinction from March 2014 to March 2022.
Obiano began his banking career in 1981 with First Bank of Nigeria before he joined Chevron Corporation as an accountant and later rose to the position of Chief Internal Auditor. In 1989, he was one of the auditors who audited the Texaco Refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands. In 1991, he joined Fidelity Bank Nigeria as the Deputy Manager and head of the Audit unit, and rose to the position of executive director in October 2003.
Willie Obiano Biography
Obiano was born in Aguleri, Anambra State, Nigeria. He received his bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the University of Lagos in 1979.
It is a narrative of endurance and dedication in Willie Obiano’s life and education up to the business world. He joined First Bank Nigeria Plc in 1981 after earning a degree in accounting in 1979. He stood out instantly among his friends because he enjoyed statistics, accuracy, and problem-solving.
His greatest chance, however, came when he joined the worldwide petroleum company Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc. He began his career as an accountant at Chevron and worked his way up to Chief Internal Auditor.
This role exposed him to other countries and provided him with in-depth knowledge of corporate governance. In 1989, he gained expertise in analysing and comprehending international financial systems around the world by participating in an audit team that conducted a check of the Texaco Refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as part of his job.
Obiano returned to the banking sector in 1991, working as a Deputy Manager in Fidelity Bank Plc’s Audit Unit. He made his way up via hard work, invention, and management until he was appointed Executive Director in October 2003.
Obiano created new internal control systems at Fidelity Bank, which increased the organisation’s effectiveness. He was regarded as a progressive manager who encouraged his team members to be honest and accountable. He was respected by both supervisors and coworkers for his ability to lead others and for inspiring loyalty.
By the time Willie Obiano resigned from the banking profession, he had established himself as an experienced financial expert and tactical analyst. He was also known for his honesty, which is uncommon in Nigeria’s banking business.
Obiano quit the banking industry to enter Nigerian politics, where he ran in the Anambra State gubernatorial elections on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform on November 16, 17, and 30, 2013. He won the election and was sworn in on March 17, 2014, succeeding Peter Obi.
On November 18, 2017, he was reelected as Governor. His tenure ended on March 17, 2022. It has been claimed, and arguably proven, that Peter Obi drafted Obiano into politics, strengthening their bond, which can be traced back to their time together at Fidelity Bank.
Legal issues
In late November 2021, not long after Charles Chukwuma Soludo was chosen as Obiano’s successor, it was revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had placed Obiano on a monitor and would be notified if he left the country; Obiano had flown overseas earlier in November.
In response to the EFCC’s decision, Don Adinuba, the Anambra Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, declared that the EFCC had reached a “new low” by releasing the letter that included Obiano on the list. Adinuba further alleged that Obiano’s plans to relocate to the United States after leaving office were widely known.
Although the EFCC did not identify the cause for the watchlist designation, concerns over prospective investigations into alleged corruption prompted the media to look into the Obiano administration’s finances. On 30 November 2021, the Peoples Gazette published exclusive bank records revealing Obiano’s withdrawal of almost ₦4 billion from numerous Anambra security vote allocation accounts on March 29, 2017, without explanation. Adinuba said that “the document…doesn’t appear genuine” and “the figures you quote look extremely ridiculous.”
On March 17, 2022, hours after leaving government and losing immunity from prosecution, Obiano was detained by the EFCC at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The reason for the arrest has yet to be released; however, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwajaren stated that it was related to the watchlist placement and that Obiano was attempting to exit the country.
The EFCC maintained that the arrest and custody of Anambra State’s immediate past Governor was to allow him to account for public funds totalling N42 billion earmarked for security votes and the Federal Government-funded Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, or SURE-P.
Awards & Recognitions
Chief Willie Obiano’s life and career have earned him numerous accolades and honours both in Nigeria and worldwide. Aside from his early academic achievements, he has been recognised at work and in social circles for his contributions to banking, the rule of law, and humanitarianism.
Some of his major recognitions include:
- Awarded as a distinguished banker of the year (2012).
- Associate, Institution of Actuaries of London (IMA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants, Lagos Mainland, Patron.
- AMP8, Lagos Business School (ten years), President.
- Alumnus, Harvard Business School Alumni Association.
- Stanford University Business Network, Member.
The church has also bestowed upon him numerous ecclesiastical awards as a result of his close relationship with it. He has received the Grand Pillar of the Parish award from the Catholic Diocese of Onitsha (2008), the Catholic Association of Communication in Nigeria (2011), and St Gerald Catholic Church in Gbagada (2010), among other organisations.
In addition, he received the Maribet Consult and Catholic Women Association of Nigeria’s Role Model of the Year Award in 2009. The Awka Development Union also presented him with the Career Excellence Award (2008) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community and national development.
Personal Life
Every successful guy has a good support system, and in Obiano’s case, that support comes from his wife, Chief (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Veronica Obiano, also known as Osodieme. The pair has a wonderful relationship that is built on respect and ideals.
Ebelechukwu, Anambra’s former First Lady, is a philanthropist and advocate for women’s emancipation. She has assisted widows, orphans, and the least fortunate in the state through her organisation, the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE).
The couple have children, and they continue to enjoy a close-knit family life after leaving the job.
Willie Obiano Net Worth
Chief Willie Obiano, a Nigerian governor, is frequently referred to as affluent. According to reports, he is one of Nigeria’s three richest governors, with a net worth estimated at $300 million.
His wealth is primarily owed to his decades-long banking career, real estate holdings, and other commercial ventures he established before entering politics. Unlike other politicians, Obiano’s financial stability was established before he entered politics.
As a banker, he was known for his inventive thinking and careful approach to management as a governor. His acquaintances frequently describe him as someone who understands the importance of planning and making solid economic decisions in both business and politics.
