30/01/2026
Friends and Stakeholders Host Dinner in Honour of Chief Charles Orie As part of activities marking the birthday celebration of Chief Charles Orie, friends and well-wishers of the renowned Imo State personality hosted a special dinner in his honour at the Rock View Hotel, Owerri. The event was organized by select stakeholders and leaders drawn from the three senatorial zones of Imo State, reflecting the wide acceptance and cross-zonal goodwill enjoyed by the celebrant. The dinner attracted several prominent personalities from across the state, including Prof. Vitalis Orikeze AJUMBE (Chairman, Board of Trustees, Owerri Zone Peoples Mandate), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie (former Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University and former President of ASUU), Hon. Paddy Obinna, Sir George Egu( President Okigwe First), Chief Batos Nwadike (President, ISU Nation Convention), Dr. Harold Wilson, Barr. Emma Ibediro, Chief Mike Nwachukwu, and Chief Ugochukwu Nzekwe (President General, Orlu Zurume), among many other notable dignitaries
Speakers at the occasion took turns to recount their long-standing relationships with Chief Orie, many of which span several decades. They described him in glowing terms as a jolly good fellow, a man of the people, kind-hearted, friendly, and someone who has consistently maintained warm relationships across social, political, and professional divides.
In his remarks, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie described the Ohaji/Egbema area as having a unique historical and political position within Imo State. He noted that while Ohaji/Egbema was formerly part of the Owerri Education Zone and is currently within the Owerri Catholic Diocese, it remains geographically and demographically closest to Owerri, yet politically aligned with Orlu Zone.
Prof Awuzie emphasized that Imo State is in need of effective, progressive, and focused leadership anchored on good governance. He stressed that support should be based on competence and vision rather than zonal origin. Quoting a biblical passage, “He who does the will of my Father is my brother and my sister,” he described the celebrant as a brother to all and wished him success in all his future endeavours.
Also speaking, Barrister Emma Ibediro described Chief Charles Orie as a man ahead of his time. He noted that considering how long the celebrant’s name has resonated in public discourse, one would assume he is a Methuselah, someone in his nineties or even hundreds. According to him, the fact that Chief Orie’s reputation precedes him is a testament to the grace of God upon his life.
The event was marked by goodwill messages, camaraderie, and reflections on leadership, unity, and service, making it a memorable highlight of Chief Charles Orie’s birthday celebration.
Ebuka Nwafor Reporting from Owerri.