International Day of Charity: What to learn from Chief Charles Orie
By Dr. Veronica Ngozi Osokoya
The United Nations International Day of Charity, observed September 5, was created to promote volunteerism, philanthropy and community service.
In Imo State, the spirit of the day is visible in several recent community interventions. One of the more documented private initiatives is that of Hon. Chief Charles Umuezurike Orie, Umuokanne-born businessman and former MD of ISOPADEC, through the Charles Orie Foundation. Other community-based organisations are also contributing to this ecosystem.
1. Support for Orphanages and Vulnerable Children – Private Foundation Activity
On December 22, 2025, the Charles Orie Foundation, in collaboration with JDPC of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, marked Christmas with children at Odenigbo Centre, Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
According to the organisers, the Foundation provided support to five registered orphanage homes, including a monetary donation of N10 million and items such as food, beverages, toiletries and clothing. Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku, DG of JDPC, described the intervention as timely.
This is presented as a privately funded philanthropic activity.
1. Support for Correctional Centres
On December 19, 2025, the same Foundation visited the Imo State Correctional Centre, Owerri. According to correctional officials present, the group settled court-imposed fines leading to the release of seven inmates and donated food and sanitary materials. The State Controller of Correctional Services, Prince Udoka Chinaka, was quoted as describing it as a contribution to inmate welfare.
1. Community Support for Widows
Residents of Umuodu community describe a long-running support for widows involving rice, wrappers and cash donations over several years. One beneficiary, Madam Alice, is quoted as saying he has “remained the husband of the widows” because of consistent support. Such community testimony forms part of the record of his private giving.
1. Public Office Record – To Be Distinguished From Private Charity
During his tenure as MD of ISOPADEC, public records list several projects executed under his leadership using public resources allocated to the Commission:
Construction and equipping of three hospitals in oil-producing LGAs
Rehabilitation of 20 primary health centres
Construction of a bridge in Oguta, a Skill Acquisition Centre in Awommamma, Oru East
Flag-off of 38 projects in 33 wards, including classroom blocks and community roads
Empowerment programmes for youths and women
It is important for readers to distinguish: projects delivered in public office using public funds are public administration, not personal charity. They are listed here for completeness of his public service record, separate from privately funded foundation work.
1. Other Organisations Contributing to Charity in Imo
The International Day of Charity reminds us that philanthropy is a chain.
Tilda Care Foundation, a health-focused NGO in Imo, runs community medical outreaches and health awareness for less privileged residents.
Chinwendu Lina Ajuru Foundation, based in Owerri, focuses on scholarships and family stability support for indigent families.
These organisations operate independently, each contributing to community welfare in line with the spirit of the Day.
1. Energy and Sustainability Context
Separately, the NDDC under its “Operation Light Up Niger Delta” programme has announced deployment of solar-powered streetlights across the Niger Delta region, stating a figure of 56,786 lights. This is an NDDC public programme aimed at improving lighting and access to clean energy in line with SDGs 7 and 13.
Where solar lighting reaches hospitals and schools – whether built by government, ISOPADEC, or private foundations – it improves service delivery. Any specific linkage between NDDC solar installations and specific foundation-built facilities should be documented by official NDDC and facility records before being asserted.
Conclusion
Charity is not an event but a chain. One genuine act can encourage another. As we mark International Day of Charity, the examples from Imo – from foundation-led orphanage support, to correctional centre interventions, to community NGO medical outreaches – show how private giving, public administration, and community organisations can complement each other.
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