By Ejike Ikezuagu – UK.
Chief Charles Orie, APC governorship aspirant in Imo State, made headlines on Saturday, 10 October 2026, in London as he donated ₦20 million and £2,000 cash, during the Imo Day 2026 celebration organised by the Imo State Union UK. Chief Orie, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, contributed the funds to support motherless babies’ homes across the three senatorial zones of Imo State—Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri.
The occasion was described as “exceptional”, drawing applause and admiration from the diaspora community, Ogene Ndigbo Newspaper gathered.
The President, Imo State Union UK, High Chief Ekwueme Nwokeji, used the occasion to recount the history of Imo State since its creation in 1976. He expressed deep appreciation for Chief Orie’s support, stating that Chief Orie had “made a mark Imo People will never forget.”
L-R: High Chief Chima Oparaugo, Chief Charles Orie, High Chief Ekwueme Nwokeji and Mrs Nwokeji.
High Chief Ekwueme explained that although the Union has executed several laudable projects in the past, it has yet to establish a strong charitable presence back home. He pledged during his election that, if elected president of the Union, charity-driven initiatives would become central to his leadership.
Today, he said, “I feel fulfilled as we stand together for a noble cause aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged back home in Imo State,” and extended his gratitude to Chief Orie and other dignitaries who contributed.
Chief Orie reaffirmed his passion for humanitarian work. In his remarks, Chief Orie, popularly known as Akuatuegwu1, thanked the Union for the invitation and reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with them on future charitable projects. He noted that since the 1990s, his foundation, Click (Chiefcharlesorie.com) – Uplifting lives in Imo State – has consistently supported vulnerable groups through women and youth empowerment, scholarships, prison and medical outreach, crisis relief distribution, and business funding for entrepreneurs.
Photos taken at the event.
In his speech, he said,“ Touching people’s lives positively is what I enjoy doing. I am very passionate about helping the less privileged”. He encouraged the Union to sustain its charitable mission, assuring them of his continued partnership and support, he concluded.
Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, Deputy Director, (Mobilisation UK) for the “Imo State Progressive for Change (ISPC), a diaspora development-focused organisation founded by Chief Charles Orie commended the donation, noting that it reflects Chief Orie’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes and the upliftment of Imo people.
Chief Charles Orie and Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu.
Chief Charles Orie is the Ohaji Prime Minister, a businessman, philanthropist, traditional leader and political figure from Umuokanne in Ohaji-Egbema LGA, Imo State. He is widely recognised for his grassroots development initiatives.
Chief Orie previously served as Managing Director/CEO of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) under Governor Hope Uzodimma. He resigned in 2024 to begin consultations for the 2027 governorship election.
His tenure at ISOPADEC earned praises for his transformative projects, including building ultra-modern hospitals, healthcare centres, bridges, and a state-of-the-art Skills Acquisition Centre in Awommamma. He launched youth empowerment programmes, agricultural job creation schemes and scholarship initiatives.
Chief Orie is known for his humility, accessibility and people-oriented leadership style. Chief Orie’s presence at the event further strengthened his reputation as a development-focused figure.
Chief Orie was accompanied to the event by Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, Chief Sympathy Nwosu, Chief Aloy Nwawugo, Chief Uche Coach, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwaneri, Mrs. Ngozi Awa, Chinedu Ekwenugo, and other ISPC members.
L-R: Chief Aloy Nwawugo, Chief Charles Orie, and Chief Sympathy Nwosu at the event.
Other prominent attendees included: High Chief Chima Oparaugo (President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK), Chief Uche Fortune, (Akaegbuchiowa) Chief Iyke Umunna, Chief Oguchi Onyekuru, Engr. Uche Amaechi, Chief Engr. Onyekachi Ugo, Amb. Lady Rita Osegwu, Chief Elias Okolie, Hon. Chizoma Anyanwu, Chief Sir Ben Agwunobi, Sir Nick Ukaegbu, High Chief Kevin Nwamma, Chief James Ogbonna, Elder Johny Ukwujiagu, Omekannaya Chima Maduekeh, and Chief Mrs. Rose Njoku (JP).
The “Imo Day 2026” celebration in London will be remembered as a night of unity, generosity and renewed commitment to supporting vulnerable children across Imo State.
L-R: Mrs Ngozi Awa, Chief Uche Coach and Chief Emma Ahanonu.
Photos taken at the event.
L-R: Dr Chukwuemeka Nwaneri, Chief Aloy Nwawugo, Chief Charles Orie, Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, Chief Uche Coach Jeremiah.
Photos taken at the event.
