IMO STATE UNION UNITED KINGDOM AND OHANAEZE NDIGBO UK AND IRELAND ENDORSE CHIEF CHARLES ORIE

The Imo State Progressives for Change 2027 gathered in the United Kingdom on Friday, April 10, 2026, to commemorate a significant political milestone—the one-year anniversary of the endorsement of Chief Charles Orie for the 2027 governorship of Imo State.

The event, held at SJAYZ Restaurant and Wine Bar in Orpington, London, brought together a broad spectrum of Imo indigenes and stakeholders from across the United Kingdom and Europe. Organised by the Imo State Progressives for Change (UK Chapter) in collaboration with the Whole Diaspora Branch of Imo State Progressives for Change 2027, the gathering celebrated what organisers described as “One Year of Unity and Vision.”

From Paris to London: A Movement Grows

The anniversary event drew inspiration from a historic meeting held in Paris in April 2025, where diaspora representatives from North America and Europe, including the United States, Canada, Norway, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and the UK, collectively endorsed Chief Orie’s candidacy.

Speakers at the London event noted that what began in Paris as a unified declaration has evolved into a sustained and expanding movement. The organisation, they revealed, is now present in 53 countries and across almost all autonomous communities in Imo State.

“From Paris to London, the journey continues,” organisers reiterated, emphasising the growing cohesion among Imo indigenes abroad and their shared commitment to shaping the future of their home state.

Broad-Based Diaspora Support

The evening attracted a diverse and influential audience, including members of the Imo State Union UK and Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Ireland. Their presence underscored the significance of the event within the wider Igbo diaspora.

Participants described the gathering as both celebratory and strategic, highlighting the increasing alignment of diaspora voices behind Chief Orie’s leadership vision.

Reflection, Engagement, and Renewed Commitment

Beyond the festivities, the anniversary served as a forum for reflection on developments since the Paris declaration. Attendees exchanged views on governance in Imo State and explored ways the diaspora can contribute more effectively to development back home.

Speakers praised Chief Orie’s leadership qualities, pointing to his perceived capacity to deliver inclusive governance and sustainable progress if elected in 2027.

Chief Orie’s Message of Gratitude and Statesmanship

In his keynote address, Chief Orie expressed deep appreciation for the continued support of Imo indigenes across the diaspora.

“My dear brothers and sisters… I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and renewed determination,” he said.

Reflecting on the Paris endorsement, he described it as a defining moment rooted in unity and shared purpose. He commended the diaspora for demonstrating that “distance is not a barrier to patriotism,” and pledged to uphold the trust placed in him.

Chief Orie also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of past and present leaders in Imo State:
His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma (2020–present) , whom he described as “my brother, friend, and leader” , has built impressively on existing foundations. His achievements in road construction, healthcare, and pension reform were highlighted, alongside his recognition as the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award for Good Governance in Infrastructure.
His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa (1999–2007) laid a strong foundation through the establishment of the Imo State Secretariat, key infrastructure projects, and the development of residential areas such as Civic Centre Estate and Achike Udenwa Estate.
His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim (2007–2011) made notable contributions in road infrastructure and urban renewal.
His Excellency, Rochas Okorocha (2011–2019) expanded Owerri and introduced bold, transformative policies that continue to shape the state.

Chief Orie also emphasised the critical role of the diaspora in the development of Imo State. He noted that “the Imo State diaspora community serves as a vital nexus for investment, knowledge, and expertise, contributing significantly to foreign exchange remittances that create jobs, drive economic growth, foster development, and generate wealth.”

He reaffirmed that his vision is centred on improving the lives of ordinary citizens,from traders and families to young people seeking better opportunities.

“The journey is bigger than any one individual,it is about all of us,” he added.

Endorsement from Imo State Union UK

In a show of growing institutional support, the President of the Imo State Union UK, High Chief Vicman Ekwueme, praised Chief Orie’s longstanding humanitarian efforts in Imo State, describing him as a leader deeply committed to community development and social impact.

He further assured attendees that the Union would actively support Chief Orie’s governorship ambition, formally aligning the organisation with the movement and reinforcing diaspora backing for his candidacy.

Notable Attendees

Some of the stakeholders present at the event included:

Dr Greg Agwunobi; Bishop Dr. Vitalis Odumma; Barr. Sympathy Nwosu; Chief Barr. Ben Achugbo; Elder Aloysius Nnawugo; High Chief Chima Oparaugo (President, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo UK and Ireland); Dr G.C. Onuegbu; Dr Chukwuemeka Nwaneri; Barrister Peter Okororji; Chief Obasi Awa;Mrs Ngozi Awa and Barrister Mrs Urenna Onuegbu

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the evening concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the road ahead. The anniversary, they said, was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a reaffirmation of future goals.

With diaspora networks increasingly mobilised and unified, supporters believe the momentum behind Chief Orie’s candidacy will continue to build as the 2027 elections approach.

For many present,from London to Dublin to Oslo, the message was clear: the movement remains strong, the vision intact, and the journey ongoing.