Charles Orie Pledges N20 Million to Imo State Union UK Charity Project

Hon. Chief Charles Umuezurike Orie has committed N20 million through the Chief Charles Orie Foundation to back a charitable initiative in Nigeria run by the Imo State Union UK. The announcement came on Saturday, 10th October 2026, during the Union's Imo Day 2026 gathering at the Broadwater Community Centre in Tottenham, London. The occasion served as a fundraiser for charitable work and carried the theme "To put smile on the faces of the less privileged," drawing Imo natives living throughout the United Kingdom. Beyond the Foundation's commitment, Chief Orie gave £2,000 in cash from his own pocket to the Union. Speaking to those assembled, Chief Orie recounted his own history of charitable involvement in Imo State stretching back to 1990. He said that assisting his community had formed part of his life well before he entered public service, and he expressed firm backing for the charitable efforts the Union has undertaken for communities back home. He praised the Union's leadership, including President High Chief Ekwueme Nwokeji, Planning Committee Chairman Chief Ben Agwunobi, General Secretary Chief Charles Onyekuru, and the wider membership, for remaining committed to Imo State despite living far away. He described diaspora groups that devote their time and resources to welfare, health and education projects as genuine allies in the state's development. Chief Orie also called on Imo indigenes abroad to keep backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited with visionary leadership and what he characterized as an economic turnaround driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda. He additionally commended Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for what he called outstanding performance, and asked Imo sons and daughters overseas to stay engaged as partners in the progress at home. A Record Rooted in Service Over the years, the Chief Charles Orie Foundation has assisted communities throughout Imo State by installing solar street lights alongside the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), covering medical expenses for poor patients, and providing money to hospitals and orphanages in the state. Most recently, the Foundation settled the school fees of twenty underprivileged students at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) who faced the prospect of dropping out, an act that students and staff at the institution welcomed warmly. During his time as Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Chief Orie supervised the building and full equipping of three ultra-modern hospitals, one in each of the state's oil-producing Local Government Areas, and the refurbishment of 20 primary healthcare centres serving rural areas. His tenure also produced a skill acquisition centre at Awommamma in Oru East LGA, together with scholarship programmes, agricultural job-creation efforts and youth empowerment schemes. Bridging Home and the Diaspora A native of Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Chief Orie stepped down from ISOPADEC in 2024 to carry out extensive consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. He has since kept up close contact with Imo indigenes overseas, viewing them as a key force behind the state's progress. Attendees at Imo Day widely saw his presence and backing as a renewed sign that ties between Imo State and its diaspora remain solid, and that rebuilding communities at home is a duty shared by all.