An Imo State “NWAFOR” All Rounder: The Charles Orie Identity

By Veronica Ngozi Osokoya, Ph.D

When I think and reflect on his personality and nature, the people of Imo State can’t but thank God for the gift of such a son; a gentleman ‘NWAFOR’ Imo state .

Recently, I got hooked on his Sunday Nuggets and his responses to invitations by religious groups. This made me smile, muttering “Charles Orie “wu s’onye okpere” literally meaning, that Charles Orie is truly a prayerful man. In furtherance, I culled up information revealing that in recent times, he has yielded support to some churches and town unions who had youth empowerment functions home and abroad. His mere presence, humility, accessibility, and smiling, reassuring eyes bring succour and comfort to our people.

I am therefore not surprised that the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema, in Umuokanne, during its 100 years anniversary on 22nd June 2025, found him worthy of being honoured for Excellence.
This is in recognition of his unconditional efforts, support in propagating the gospel, outstanding commitment, love for God, humanity, and society. An all-rounder, indeed!

This maverick ‘Nwafor’ is a true lover and supporter of agriculture, which is the primary source of revenue and the celebrated occupation of his forefathers. I can only imagine that he understands the farmers’ wisdom and farming seasons. A real child whose eyes are focused on exactitudes. He is aware that the Imo State farm lands have witnessed huge degradation due to over-farming and high population density. He is always worried about this and sure will ensure a resolution towards our common good.

Farming is a primary source of revenue for Imo State Government. We will continue to remember with nostalgia our palm oil production, cassava, and more in both large-scale and small-scale productions. Charles Orie is from one of the places where Imo State foods are produced in quantum and will therefore enable agriculture to thrive.

I am constantly pleasantly awed when I see him partake in traditional Kolanut celebrations and ceremonies. He traditionally speaks to Ndi Eze, Nzes and Ozos without missing out on what makes Imo State grand. He is unapologetically vast in our cultural “omenala” (norms, values, traditions, and cliches). By his mere appearance, you will appreciate the valued cultural heritage of the Imo people. I welcome you all to google search this Traditional Prime Minister, this Akuatuegwu and behold finesse in dress codes from his immaculate white cap to his simple regalia.

Charles Orie understands what it is to give honour to all past governments, administrators, and stakeholders. He is never one to talk down anyone because he delights only supportive and advisory inputs. This rare gem is easygoing and never relents in importing and sharing experiences earned and drawn from his competencies, vantage position, exposures, celebrated partnership, and relationships, locally, nationally, and globally.

I am all for my Imo State, my Eastern Heartland, the Oil rich Pride of the south-eastern Nigeria, and I am warming up towards 2027, when Charles Orie with his Mastery of Igbo language, and the many dialectal variations would be considered the Choice leader of Imo State.

Recall, I had in some of my several previous write ups presented Charles Orie as one who grew up mixing and socializing with the people of his immediate community, other communities, business communities and ofcourse his maternal home peers. Let’s await Charles Orie soon on the traditional dance bands wriggling to the cultural ‘Nwa okolobo , Alija, Abigbo, Owu, Bongo, and many more the music and dance. Charles Orie is an all-rounder.

One of the amazing attributes of Chief Charles Orie is that he takes time out to visit people across the board to honour their special moments and never forgets the arts and festivals, market days of Imolites. He knows what it means to give Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar, especially with traditional festival observance in our state. Indeed, this true lover of Arts and Culture is desired because he understands the importance of the Ahiajoku farming and Iri-ji by all farming communities, the Ihitte Afor Ukwu Iwakwa ceremony the unique Iryi new farm festival of Mbaise people.

I love the way he cares for all, especially the youth and children. Women say he has earned their respect and are all hoping for him to nod towards leadership. I never stop laughing in delight at how he would always say “ku o nu nu ngaji eze” meaning ensure you make the spoon have contact with the teeth a literary way of saying ensure you all eat. With this enigma, its Bye bye to hunger.

Ndewo Chief Charles Orie my dearest “Nwanwa ndi Owerri” and for sure a defender of the Imo people. We are all awaiting your nod, Charles Orie “nwa mgboto Oforola.”