Willie Obiano (born 8 August 1955) is a Nigerian politician, banker, and technocrat. He was the fourth Governor of Anambra State from 17 March 2014 to 17 March 2022.

We will examine the biography, early life, education, career, wife, and net worth of Willie Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State.

Willie Obiano Profile Summary

  • Name: Willie Obiano
  • Date of Birth: August 8, 1957
  • Place of Birth: Aguleri
  • State: Anambra
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Career: Governor
  • Relationship: Married to Ebelechukwu Obiano
  • Net Worth: $300 million

 

Early Life

Willie Obiano originated from Aguleri in Nigeria’s Anambra East Local Government Area, having been born on August 8, 1957. Willie Obiano started his education at Holy Trinity Primary School in Onitsha, finishing his primary schooling there.

He finished his secondary education at Christ the King College in Onitsha, where he received his West African School Certificate. He then went to the University of Lagos, where he received a B.Sc. Second Class Upper in Accounting in 1979 and an MBA in Marketing in 1993.

Willie Obiano excelled as a student in school. He was honored with the John F. Kennedy Award for Essay in 1974 at C.K.C. Onitsha. He was honored with a National Merit Certificate and the Best Youth Corper Award for his outstanding performance in Benue State during the National Youth event.

Career

In 1981, Obiano held the position of Supervisor at First Bank of Nigeria Plc. He served as a refinery and bunkering auditor for Texaco, where he quickly advanced to the role of Chief International Auditor before joining Fidelity Bank Plc in 1991.

He held the positions of Deputy Manager and Head of Audit at Fidelity Bank. He was promoted to manager shortly after he joined the bank. He was appointed as Executive Director in 2003 after serving as General Manager.

Professional Accolades

Willie Obiano has received various professional accolades such as:

  • The Distinguished Banker of the Year 2012 Award.
  • Willie Obiano is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
  • Patron of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Lagos (Mainland)
  • President of the AMP8 (Advance Management Programme) of Lagos Business School for ten years 2006 Building New Ventures (Member)
  • Harvard University, USA Class (Member)
  • Harvard Business School, Boston, USA (Member)
  • Stanford University (Member).

Willie Obiano secured the governorship of Anambra State in November 2013, successfully campaigning for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

He was re-elected in November 2017 representing the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

Awards

He is a key supporter of the church, having made substantial donations and contributions to numerous development initiatives in the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and several Pentecostal churches throughout Nigeria.

He has been awarded numerous church honours, including those from the Catholic Diocese of Onitsha (2008), the Catholic Association for Communication in Nigeria (2011), and St Gerald Catholic Church Gbagada in 2010, where he was recognized as the Grand Pillar of the Parish.

In 2008, Obiano was appointed as the patron of St. Gerald’s Catholic Church, Gbagada Parish, and also of the Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria. In 2008, he was honored with the Career Excellence Award from the Awka Development Union, and in 2009, he received the Maribet Consult and the Catholic Women Association of Nigeria’s Role Model of the Year Award.

Personal Life

Chief Willie Obiano and Her Excellency Ebelechukwu Obiano are married and have two children together.

One of the most admirable qualities of Chief Willie Obiano is his altruistic nature and his willingness to help those in need. It’s said that he has been running a Foundation, which discreetly offered scholarships to many residents of Anambra North Senatorial District.

Net Worth

Willie’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. He amassed his wealth through his ventures as an oil businessman, governor, and his time in the business industry.

Social Media

Twitter: @WillieMObiano