How Governor Soludo Funds His Transformational Projects...Arc Okey Ezeobi, GM/CEO, Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement/2025 NUJ Anambra Man Of The Year Winner
How Anambra Won World Bank's $2.5 Million.
After his overwhelming victory as the *2025 NUJ Anambra State Man Of The Year,* Architect Okey Ezeobi, the GM/CEO, Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement hosted a team of journalists from the NUJ Anambra WatchDog Magazine of the NUJ Anambra State Council led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, NUJ Anambra State Chairman, for an in-depth interview in the Architect's office, at Government House, Awka.
In the interview with NUJ WatchDog Magazine, Arc Ezeobi spoke about his growing up, building his private business, giving back to society, his involvement in government and his thoughts on Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s government.
*“I’m a man helped by God,”* he says, and when you hear his story, you won’t doubt it for a second.
Since after the announcement as 2025 NUJ Anambra Man Of The Year, Arc Okey Ezeobi has been trending and winning more for the Bureau and for the state.
Just recently at the 2025 Nigeria GovTech Awards in Abuja, Anambra stood tall as the Bureau of Public Procurement clinched Excellence in Digital Public Procurement, while the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was named Best State MDA in Technology-Driven Governance, as Arc. Okechukwu Ezeobi,GM/ CEO, BPP and Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner, Budget & Economic Planning received Trailblazer Awards for exemplary leadership.
In the interview for *NUJ WatchDog Magazine* of the NUJ Anambra State Council captured by Emeka Chiaghana, Arc.Ezeobi was at his best in his answers. *Excerpts* :
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine:* *How did you emerge as the GM/MD of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)?*
Okey Ezeobi: My appointment was quite unusual, almost surreal. I was driving from one project site to another in Abia State, where I was constructing a 100-bed hospital, when I received a call. The voice on the other end asked for my CV. Initially, I was puzzled. As an employer of labour and a consultant architect, I wasn’t actively looking for employment. But the caller was persistent, phoning me four or five times while I was still en route between Isi-Alangwa and Enugu.
Since I was driving, I called and told my wife what was happening and asked her to prepare and send my CV. Without even reviewing it, I forwarded it to the caller. Weeks later, I reached out to ask if they were recruiting a professional architect of Anambra origin, as I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
To my surprise, the caller congratulated me: that then-Governor Willie Obiano had appointed me as a Special Adviser. I was stunned. I hadn’t applied for any job. My reaction was lukewarm, I even told my wife that these politicians were probably just looking for attention.
The next day at work in Lagos, the same caller phoned again: "Okey, where are you? The Governor has been trying to reach you." I explained that I didn’t have the Governor’s number. The caller insisted I come down to Anambra. My wife persuaded me to honour the invitation, saying that any governor who appoints someone he doesn’t know must genuinely mean well.
I attended the EXCO retreat in Awka organised by the state government, planning only to thank Governor Obiano and return to Lagos that same day. I sat by the door, a stranger in the hall, waiting for a chance to say thank you and leave. But the retreat captivated me. Speakers like Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu and Fela Durotoye spoke. Their words resonated well with me. I postponed my return flight. That day, I saw a different kind of political leadership. It changed me and my perception of political positions. That's how I accepted Governor Obiano's appointment.
After my tenure with Governor Obiano, I returned to Lagos. Then, one day, I received a call from Professor Chukwuma Soludo. He had become Governor and wanted me to head the BPP. I told him, frankly, I wasn’t interested. I preferred my private life. I left his house thinking that was the end of it.
Soon, calls started pouring in. From prominent people in my community. From elders. Prominent figure like Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, the Mbuze of Nanka, went as far as saying that turning down such a position was unthinkable, jokingly adding that Nanka people will bury me alive for rejecting such a privilege to serve the state. Even a woman I have never met called and said in our Nanka dialect, "We know God has blessed you, but our poor people need you. Go because of us." That call struck a deep chord. I discussed it with my wife, and she said maybe it was God’s will. I called Governor Soludo back and apologized. He was pleased I had reconsidered. Days later, my appointment was announced.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Any regrets about taking the job?*
Okey Ezeobi: None whatsoever. This is the best political job in the world, and it’s because I work for a rare leader. Governor Soludo never interferes. In three years, he’s never called to ask me to award a job to anyone. Not once. Every contract in Anambra is usually through a competitive bidding, and we always secure the best value.
Under this administration, Anambra became the first state to win a $2.5 million grant from the World Bank for transparent procurement practices. We've saved billions. That’s how Governor Soludo funds his transformational projects. No contract padding. No political pressure. Just transparency and results.
In just three years, he has completed over 500 kilometers of roads. He initiated the first-ever road dualization in the state, spanning over 70 kilometers. His results dwarf the combined efforts of the last three administrations. That’s the kind of leadership I’m proud to serve under.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: What changes have you introduced to the BPP, especially regarding transparency and accountability?*
Okey Ezeobi: Everything we do is online. Every project, every price. We encourage the public to scrutinize us. For instance, when we awarded a solar streetlight contract in Awka, people questioned the pricing. I told them: if you can do it cheaper, it’s open. No one came forward. That’s transparency.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Can you highlight key reforms and milestones at the BPP under your leadership?*
Okey Ezeobi: One case stands out. A man won a borehole project purely on merit. He didn’t believe it was real. He thought it was a scam. It took several calls before he accepted the offer. That’s the new Anambra. No lobbying. No bribery. Just qualification and merit.
We’ve also become a continental model. The World Bank asked Liberia and Gambia to study Anambra’s procurement system as a template while setting up their own institutions. That’s not just a win for us; it’s a win for Africa.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Public procurement is key to good governance. What challenges have you faced enforcing due process?*
Okey Ezeobi: Documentation. Many qualified contractors are excellent in execution but lack proper tax records. We insist on compliance. You can’t access taxpayers’ money if you don’t pay tax. It’s non-negotiable.
Another issue is bid pricing. We don’t award contracts to the cheapest bidder, but to the most responsive. For example, if cement is selling for ₦9,000 and someone quotes ₦7,000, we know they’re likely to come back for variations. We factor in taxes, overheads, and profit margins. Contractors now understand we want realistic pricing. That’s why there are no abandoned projects in Anambra. We pay promptly. No contractor is owed. Ask around.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Governor Soludo envisions Anambra as a smart, livable, prosperous homeland. What gives you the most hope?*
Okey Ezeobi: Let me give you a real example. An Anambra indigene living in Port Harcourt recently came home and was shocked. He traveled from Uga to Ekwulobia and didn’t even realize it, because the roads were that smooth. In just three years, communities that were once isolated are now connected. The Amawbia-Ekwulobia dual carriageway, Agulu-Okija road, and access from Awka to Umunze now take a fraction of the time.
This progress gives me hope. If this is what we can achieve in three years, imagine what Anambra will look like in eight years.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: How would you assess the level of cooperation your bureau receives from other MDA's in achieving Governor Soludo's vision for Anambra?*
Okey Ezeobi: Let me use this analogy: Jesus once said, "I only do what I see my father do." In the same way, every organization or state functions in alignment with its leader. Governor Soludo sets the standard. If you can’t keep pace with his vision, you’ll naturally fall behind. Every MDA has had to rise to the challenge, sharpen its processes, and align with the Governor’s policies. That’s the only way he wants the job done.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: What strategic innovations or digital reforms have you introduced to improve procurement processes and curb corruption?*
Okey Ezeobi: One major reform we introduced was centralized project monitoring. Previously, individual agencies conducted separate inspections, often leading to inconsistencies and loopholes. I insisted on joint monitoring. Everyone inspects together, seeing, measuring, and signing off on-site in front of the contractor. This eliminated corruption, minimized negotiation attempts, and drastically cut inspection times. Contractors appreciate the transparency.
How Anambra Won World Bank's $2.5 Million.
After his overwhelming victory as the *2025 NUJ Anambra State Man Of The Year,* Architect Okey Ezeobi, the GM/CEO, Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement hosted a team of journalists from the NUJ Anambra WatchDog Magazine of the NUJ Anambra State Council led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, NUJ Anambra State Chairman, for an in-depth interview in the Architect's office, at Government House, Awka.
In the interview with NUJ WatchDog Magazine, Arc Ezeobi spoke about his growing up, building his private business, giving back to society, his involvement in government and his thoughts on Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s government.
*“I’m a man helped by God,”* he says, and when you hear his story, you won’t doubt it for a second.
Since after the announcement as 2025 NUJ Anambra Man Of The Year, Arc Okey Ezeobi has been trending and winning more for the Bureau and for the state.
Just recently at the 2025 Nigeria GovTech Awards in Abuja, Anambra stood tall as the Bureau of Public Procurement clinched Excellence in Digital Public Procurement, while the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was named Best State MDA in Technology-Driven Governance, as Arc. Okechukwu Ezeobi,GM/ CEO, BPP and Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner, Budget & Economic Planning received Trailblazer Awards for exemplary leadership.
In the interview for *NUJ WatchDog Magazine* of the NUJ Anambra State Council captured by Emeka Chiaghana, Arc.Ezeobi was at his best in his answers. *Excerpts* :
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine:* *How did you emerge as the GM/MD of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)?*
Okey Ezeobi: My appointment was quite unusual, almost surreal. I was driving from one project site to another in Abia State, where I was constructing a 100-bed hospital, when I received a call. The voice on the other end asked for my CV. Initially, I was puzzled. As an employer of labour and a consultant architect, I wasn’t actively looking for employment. But the caller was persistent, phoning me four or five times while I was still en route between Isi-Alangwa and Enugu.
Since I was driving, I called and told my wife what was happening and asked her to prepare and send my CV. Without even reviewing it, I forwarded it to the caller. Weeks later, I reached out to ask if they were recruiting a professional architect of Anambra origin, as I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
To my surprise, the caller congratulated me: that then-Governor Willie Obiano had appointed me as a Special Adviser. I was stunned. I hadn’t applied for any job. My reaction was lukewarm, I even told my wife that these politicians were probably just looking for attention.
The next day at work in Lagos, the same caller phoned again: "Okey, where are you? The Governor has been trying to reach you." I explained that I didn’t have the Governor’s number. The caller insisted I come down to Anambra. My wife persuaded me to honour the invitation, saying that any governor who appoints someone he doesn’t know must genuinely mean well.
I attended the EXCO retreat in Awka organised by the state government, planning only to thank Governor Obiano and return to Lagos that same day. I sat by the door, a stranger in the hall, waiting for a chance to say thank you and leave. But the retreat captivated me. Speakers like Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu and Fela Durotoye spoke. Their words resonated well with me. I postponed my return flight. That day, I saw a different kind of political leadership. It changed me and my perception of political positions. That's how I accepted Governor Obiano's appointment.
After my tenure with Governor Obiano, I returned to Lagos. Then, one day, I received a call from Professor Chukwuma Soludo. He had become Governor and wanted me to head the BPP. I told him, frankly, I wasn’t interested. I preferred my private life. I left his house thinking that was the end of it.
Soon, calls started pouring in. From prominent people in my community. From elders. Prominent figure like Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, the Mbuze of Nanka, went as far as saying that turning down such a position was unthinkable, jokingly adding that Nanka people will bury me alive for rejecting such a privilege to serve the state. Even a woman I have never met called and said in our Nanka dialect, "We know God has blessed you, but our poor people need you. Go because of us." That call struck a deep chord. I discussed it with my wife, and she said maybe it was God’s will. I called Governor Soludo back and apologized. He was pleased I had reconsidered. Days later, my appointment was announced.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Any regrets about taking the job?*
Okey Ezeobi: None whatsoever. This is the best political job in the world, and it’s because I work for a rare leader. Governor Soludo never interferes. In three years, he’s never called to ask me to award a job to anyone. Not once. Every contract in Anambra is usually through a competitive bidding, and we always secure the best value.
Under this administration, Anambra became the first state to win a $2.5 million grant from the World Bank for transparent procurement practices. We've saved billions. That’s how Governor Soludo funds his transformational projects. No contract padding. No political pressure. Just transparency and results.
In just three years, he has completed over 500 kilometers of roads. He initiated the first-ever road dualization in the state, spanning over 70 kilometers. His results dwarf the combined efforts of the last three administrations. That’s the kind of leadership I’m proud to serve under.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: What changes have you introduced to the BPP, especially regarding transparency and accountability?*
Okey Ezeobi: Everything we do is online. Every project, every price. We encourage the public to scrutinize us. For instance, when we awarded a solar streetlight contract in Awka, people questioned the pricing. I told them: if you can do it cheaper, it’s open. No one came forward. That’s transparency.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Can you highlight key reforms and milestones at the BPP under your leadership?*
Okey Ezeobi: One case stands out. A man won a borehole project purely on merit. He didn’t believe it was real. He thought it was a scam. It took several calls before he accepted the offer. That’s the new Anambra. No lobbying. No bribery. Just qualification and merit.
We’ve also become a continental model. The World Bank asked Liberia and Gambia to study Anambra’s procurement system as a template while setting up their own institutions. That’s not just a win for us; it’s a win for Africa.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Public procurement is key to good governance. What challenges have you faced enforcing due process?*
Okey Ezeobi: Documentation. Many qualified contractors are excellent in execution but lack proper tax records. We insist on compliance. You can’t access taxpayers’ money if you don’t pay tax. It’s non-negotiable.
Another issue is bid pricing. We don’t award contracts to the cheapest bidder, but to the most responsive. For example, if cement is selling for ₦9,000 and someone quotes ₦7,000, we know they’re likely to come back for variations. We factor in taxes, overheads, and profit margins. Contractors now understand we want realistic pricing. That’s why there are no abandoned projects in Anambra. We pay promptly. No contractor is owed. Ask around.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: Governor Soludo envisions Anambra as a smart, livable, prosperous homeland. What gives you the most hope?*
Okey Ezeobi: Let me give you a real example. An Anambra indigene living in Port Harcourt recently came home and was shocked. He traveled from Uga to Ekwulobia and didn’t even realize it, because the roads were that smooth. In just three years, communities that were once isolated are now connected. The Amawbia-Ekwulobia dual carriageway, Agulu-Okija road, and access from Awka to Umunze now take a fraction of the time.
This progress gives me hope. If this is what we can achieve in three years, imagine what Anambra will look like in eight years.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: How would you assess the level of cooperation your bureau receives from other MDA's in achieving Governor Soludo's vision for Anambra?*
Okey Ezeobi: Let me use this analogy: Jesus once said, "I only do what I see my father do." In the same way, every organization or state functions in alignment with its leader. Governor Soludo sets the standard. If you can’t keep pace with his vision, you’ll naturally fall behind. Every MDA has had to rise to the challenge, sharpen its processes, and align with the Governor’s policies. That’s the only way he wants the job done.
*NUJ WatchDog Magazine: What strategic innovations or digital reforms have you introduced to improve procurement processes and curb corruption?*
Okey Ezeobi: One major reform we introduced was centralized project monitoring. Previously, individual agencies conducted separate inspections, often leading to inconsistencies and loopholes. I insisted on joint monitoring. Everyone inspects together, seeing, measuring, and signing off on-site in front of the contractor. This eliminated corruption, minimized negotiation attempts, and drastically cut inspection times. Contractors appreciate the transparency.