Willie Obiano, a politician, banker and former governor of Anambra state, was born in Nigeria on 8 August 1955.
Charles Soludo was the fourth democratically elected governor of Anambra State before his appointment. Governor Obiano was born in Aguleri in Anambra State, eastern Nigeria.
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- Full Name: Willie Obiano
- Date of birth: August 8, 1955
- Place of birth: Anambra
- State of origin: Anambra State
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Politician
- Net worth: $300 million
- Wife/Husband: Ebelechukwu Veronica Obiano
Early life
The eastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria, in Aguleri, Anambra State, is where Willie Obiano was born on August 8, 1955.
He commenced and completed his primary and secondary education in Anambra state, obtaining his O’Level and First School Leaving Certificate.
In 1979, he was admitted to the University of Lagos, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.
Career
Willie Obiano, a professional governor, started his banking career in 1981 at First Bank of Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor left First Bank of Nigeria to work as an accountant at Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc, eventually becoming the Head of Internal Audit.
He participated in the inspection of the Texaco Refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1989.
The recently resigned Governor of Anambra State, one of Nigeria’s top leaders, is renowned for his efforts in the state while in office.
Willie Obiano joined Fidelity Bank as Vice President and Head of Audit in 1991. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in October 2003.
After leaving the banking industry, Willie Obiano entered Nigerian politics and ran for governor as a member of the All Progressives Alliance (APGA) on 16, 17 November and 30 November 2013.
He was elected after a controversial election and sworn in on 17 March 2014 to replace Peter Obi.
On November 18, 2017, Governor Obiano was re-elected. On March 16, 2022, he handed over the keys to Charles Soludo, essentially ending his term.
Argumentative
Following the election of Charles Chukwuma Soludo as Obiano’s successor in November 2021, there were speculations that Obiano was on the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Journalists have investigated the finances of the Obiano administration in response to concerns that there may be an investigation into alleged corruption, although the EFCC has not provided any basis for placing Obiano on its blacklist.
On November 30, 2021, the Peoples Gazette published an exclusive report on bank documents proving Willie Obiano stole over $4 billion from multiple Anambra security vote allocation accounts on March 29, 2017 without explanation.
The EFCC arrested him at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport just hours after he resigned on March 17, 2022.
The reason for the arrest has not been disclosed. However, according to EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwajaren, it is related to Obiano being placed on a watch list and his attempt to flee the country.
Personal life
Ebelechukwu Willie Obiano and Veronica Obiano, the former first lady of Anambra state, are happily married.
Children have been a blessing in their marriage, and now that the former Anambra state governor has retired, the couple is enjoying raising their children.
Net worth
Willie Obiano’s net worth is estimated to be $300 million. He is a prominent Nigerian politician, former governor of Anambra state and a banker.
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