By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Architect Okey Ezeobi, has described the State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as a special human being and the best person anyone could wish to work with, given his simplicity, transformational mindset, visionary leadership style, and strong commitment to excellence.
Architect Ezeobi made this known in Awka, the state capital, while interacting with journalists and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, during the official presentation of his letters of nomination and invitation as the 2025 NUJ Man of the Year.
The nomination followed his emergence as the winner of the prestigious award after a tough and highly competitive selection process which saw him polling the highest number of votes in an open online voting conducted by the NUJ. He emerged winner ahead of several other distinguished public servants, technocrats, and administrators who were nominated for the same award.
Presenting the nomination and invitation letters, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, congratulated Arch. Ezeobi on the well-deserved recognition, describing the selection process as transparent, credible, and entirely people-driven.
He explained that the award was part of the activities lined up for the forthcoming NUJ Award slated for August 2025. According to him, the selection of Arch. Ezeobi was based not only on his achievements at the helm of the BPP but also on his integrity, professional excellence, and contributions to governance and public sector reforms in Anambra State.
Dr. Odogwu further described Architect Ezeobi as an exceptional public servant whose commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability has been evident in the transformation of procurement processes and contract evaluations in the state. He noted that the NUJ found him worthy after thorough internal assessments and the outcome of the public voting.
While commending Governor Soludo for assembling a capable team of technocrats to drive his administration’s vision, the NUJ Chairman said the Union would continue to promote excellence and celebrate individuals who contribute significantly to good governance and development.
Responding, Arch. Ezeobi thanked the NUJ for the recognition, expressing his gratitude for the honour and public confidence reposed in him. He described the award as a call for more commitment, dedication, and service to humanity, and reaffirmed his resolve to continue upholding the core values of accountability and transparency in public procurement.
“This honour is not just for me but for the entire team at the BPP and, indeed, the administration of Governor Soludo. He is a special human being and the best anyone can work with — very visionary, extremely disciplined, and totally committed to delivering value to Ndi Anambra,” Ezeobi stated.
Reflecting further, the Nanka-born architect admitted that he initially does not readily embrace honours, but felt compelled to accept this recognition after being deeply moved by the support of people far and near, many of whom he had not heard from in years.
“I was surprised by the sacrifices people made to make this happen,” he said, describing the honour as divinely ordained.
Fielding questions from newsmen, he recounted his journey from humble beginnings, through professional and public service, attributing his rise to God’s grace and visionary leadership like Soludo’s and that of his predecessor.
“The first time I wore shoes was in primary four,” he disclosed, adding thus: “I don’t know how I got to where I am today, but I always tell people—I am a man helped by God.”
According to him, his higher educational journey began in Lagos and continued through the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Architecture, graduating as the best student in his class. While he also earned Master of Project Management from the University of Lagos in 2016, he said he had also begun his career in Lagos before establishing his own private firm, Dwellins International Limited, which grew into a group of companies with offices in Anambra, Abuja, and Lagos. Ezeobi, it was gathered, runs a multi-faceted business that spans architecture, construction, interior design, furniture manufacturing, and building services, while also prioritizing human capital development and humanitarian interventions.
He revealed that his appointment into public office was neither sought nor anticipated, adding that he initially declined the offer but later reconsidered and accepted it after consultations and persuasion by close associates and respected figures, both from his community and beyond.
“I then reconsidered my decision and saw it as a divine call to contribute meaningfully to the development of my state,” he added.
As head of procurement in the state he described his role as both challenging and fulfilling, further noting that Governor Soludo’s leadership style makes his job easier.
“This is the best job in the world. The best person to work with is Professor Charles Soludo. He makes governance seamless by not interfering in procurement. Jobs in Anambra State are awarded competitively and at the best possible prices. Even if you were the governor’s twin, you would still have to compete fairly with others,” he emphasized.
According to him, this high level of independence and integrity in the system has earned the state national and global recognition, as Anambra became the first state in Nigeria to receive a $2.5 million award from the World Bank for its exceptional procurement transparency.
“We have saved the state billions of naira through proper procurement practices,” he declared.
He further highlighted some other notable achievements of the BPP under his leadership, which include the digitization of procurement processes, enforcement of procurement laws, joint inspection/monitoring of project, elimination of sharp practices in contract awards, institutional strengthening of procurement units in MDAs, and enhanced value-for-money compliance in public projects.
He also praised the governor’s insistence on projects and initiatives that have measurable impact on the masses, specifically lauding his statewide infrastructural transformation and palm revolution, among others.
“The governor does not approve contracts unless they benefit the common people. If a woman selling crayfish cannot see direct value in it, he won’t go into it,” he revealed.
Commenting on challenges in the procurement landscape, he observed that while some firms possess technical capabilities, many fail to meet basic regulatory requirements, especially regarding tax compliance. He, however, noted a growing shift, with more private companies now understanding they can work with the government based on merit, not political ties.
“More firms are now registering with regulatory bodies like the Pension Scheme, ITF, and NSITF to meet requirements for government contracts,” he explained.
While envisioning the establishment of an institution where people go to formal school for procurement, Arch. Ezeobi affirmed that the BPP, under his watch, has become more responsive, respected, and autonomous — thanks to the political will and institutional support from the Soludo administration.
“Working under Soludo is like working with a visionary from the future. He gives you room to perform, insists on due process, and always puts Ndi Anambra first,” he said.
According to Ezeobi, Governor Soludo’s leadership inspires everyone around him to strive for excellence and measurable impact. These, he said, inspired the support group he founded — the Anambra Patriots for Soludo — to purchase the thirty million naira (N30,000,000) nomination form for the Governor’s reelection.
He said if the Governor could achieve all these he has achieved and transform Anambra to the stage it is currently, just within in three years; the one could imagine what the state will look like in the coming years when he must have completed his second term in office.
“Indeed, I sincerely dedicate this award to Governor Soludo for believing in me, to the good people of Anambra State, and to the media for keeping public servants accountable,” he concluded.
In a vote of thanks, former State Chairman of Union and 2025 NUJ Man of the Year Award Planning Committee, Comrade Francis Ekpone, lauded Architect Ezeobi for his warm reception, humility and numerous achievements, describing him as a silent achiever and a thoroughbred professional.
He also praised the NUJ for maintaining high standards in its selection process and expressed optimism for a colourful award ceremony in August.
The 2025 Anambra NUJ Man of the Year Award ceremony, which will mark the grand finale of the 2025 NUJ Press Week activities in the state, is slated to hold on Thursday, August 28, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, the Anambra state capital.
