Why I want to serve Anambra people - APGA's Willie Obiano

Willie Obiano

Peter Obi

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has settled for Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano as its candidate.

Obiano, the astute top banker turned politician, in the words of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and APGA national Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh, is the best man for the job.

Obi and Umeh, who recently settled their messy political differences, also boasted that Obiano remains the candidate to beat and copy among all those eyeing the Government House, in the heart of Awka.

“Aside being the best, he’s also the only man that can competently sustain the progress of the good works that I started for Ndi-Anambra,” amiable and hard-working Obi, added during the recent presentation of Obiano, to some select members of the media in Lagos, by APGA leadership.

While speaking at the very solemn occasion, Obiano, whose intimidating academic and professional backgrounds, are a huge plus for APGA, insisted that his primary aim and vision if eventually elected into office would be to make Anambra the first choice of investment destination and a hub for industrialization and commercial activities.

“My vision for our state when elected is to create a socially stable and business friendly environment that will attract indigenes of Anambra, Nigerians and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in Anambra State,” stated Obiano, who was born on August 8, 1955.

Obiano, the first African to attain the enviable height of Chief Internal Auditor with Texaco, worldwide before quitting the international oil giant after nine and half years of meritorious service, made it clear that he’s very passionate to serve and impact lives positively.

 “I will also continue with the laudable programmes of the current administration to further transform our state to occupy its rightful place in Nigeria and Africa. I intend doing this by building on the enviable foundation laid by Governor Obi. Continuity will be the guiding strategy and theme of my administration. I also intend to adopt the State’s current strategy, christened: Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS)… Over my administration’s first 12 months, we will work tirelessly to Continue, Complete and Commission (3Cs) of all on-going projects across various sectors in Anambra State,” he asserts.

Unveiling more of his dreams and aspirations, the Aguleri-born high chief (Akpokuodike), whose distinguished banking career started at First Bank in 1981, before moving to Fidelity in 1991, where he left as Executive Director and number two man after nine years, stated that his administration would focus hugely on education.

“We shall complete the construction of phase two of over 1,500 classroom blocks for primary schools… We shall also continue with the deployment of more Microsoft Academics, on-going rehabilitation of secondary schools and sustain existing and strong working relationship with the church in transforming the education sector.”

The revered technocrat and policy leader on economic development and financial accountability holds a first degree in Accounting and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Lagos. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and has equally attended several management programmes all over the world, including the Harvard University, USA.

Still unfolding more of his people-friendly initiatives, the happily married father of two, (boy and girl), reiterated his commitment and passion to the development of health, public utilities, environment, investments and jobs creations as well as housing and community participation.

Obiano, the son of a former headmaster and catechist who rose from a very humble beginning to become a top player in the banking sector, also spoke passionately about the key drivers for his envisioned economic reform.

Obiano, an expert in change management and revered team player went further to itemize his Articles of Faith, which he gladly christened: Continuity and Forward Ever.

Again, education, health, environment, infrastructure development, commerce and industry, agriculture, housing and urban development are top priorities on this list. Other programmes on the Articles of Faith include: security and social welfare, tourism, sports and youth development, judiciary, administrative and civil service and above all, enabling laws. This he argued would help to create the much needed legal bedrock for his policies and programmes to thrive.

“Let us continue to build a better future for our state and our children. Let us also continue to plant the trees that will give shade to our children and our future. Don’t also forget that as a distinguished banker and accountant, I will manage every Kobo that belongs to Anambra very well. Aside being the best man for the job, you have also seen why I want to serve my people,” concluded the man who won the USAfrica Best of Africa First Distinguished Banker of the Year in 2012, among other laurels and accolades.

Also speaking at the gathering, Obiano’s running mate, Dr. Nkem Okeke, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics, thanked Obi and Umeh for deeming him fit for the office of deputy governor. The former Commissioner and Howard University, USA trained economist with specialization in Monetary Economics, promised to work assiduously with Obiano in their quest to continue from where Obi stopped.

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