CMO HONOURS CHIEF CHARLES ORIE AS ‘UGONNA’ – A FATHER TO THE FAITHFUL

…Bishop Ugorji Leads Maria Assumpta Cathedral to Celebrate Icon of Service at 2026 Father’s Day

Precilia Uzoma Writes From Owerri

In a colourful ceremony steeped in tradition, faith, and gratitude, the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, on Sunday, 3rd May 2026, conferred the prestigious title of Ugonna – An Outstanding Father – on Chief Charles Orie (Akuatuegwu), during the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri’s Father’s Day celebration.

The honour, officiated by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri, recognizes Chief Orie’s decades of selfless service, unwavering devotion to the Catholic Church, and his extraordinary contributions to society and humanity at large.

Though unavoidably absent, the revered philanthropist and industrialist was ably represented by Hon. Emmanuel Orie, who received the award plaque to thunderous applause from the congregation.

The choice of Chief Charles Orie for the Ugonna title was no accident. For years, Akuatuegwu has stood as a pillar of support to the Catholic Church in Imo State and beyond. His interventions cut across evangelism, infrastructure, youth development, and humanitarian service.

Humanitarian Interventions

In recent times, Chief Orie has:

1. Support for Motherless Babies:

   Through the Charles Orie Foundation, he donated food items, household supplies, and ₦2 million each to five motherless babies’ homes in Owerri. Beneficiaries include:

2. Holy Family Sisters of the Needy, Okwu Uratta, Owerri

3. Missionary Daughters of Compassionate Jesus Orphanage, Owerri

4. Servants of Charity (Don Guanella), Nnebukwu

5. Hope Orphanage House, Ngugo, Ikeduru

6. Eucharistic Care Charity Services, Owerri

7. Healthcare Interventions:

   
   

   He cleared outstanding medical bills for several indigent patients at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, facilitating the discharge of eight patients who could not afford treatment and enabling them to reunite with their families for the festive season.

In addition, on January 17, 2026, Chief Orie visited Umuokanne General Hospital, where he donated medical disposables and pharmaceutical supplies to support the hospital’s operations. He further made a generous donation of ₦20 million to enhance healthcare delivery and ease the financial burden on patients unable to afford medical care.

Community and Social Outreach:

Beyond these, his Foundation has organized Christmas celebrations for orphanage homes, supported their needs through donations, provided assistance to prison inmates, and distributed food items and household supplies to various communities across Imo State.

Lenten Outreach & Food Distribution:

During the Lenten season, he sponsored feeding programmes and distributed food items and household essentials to the less privileged and the beneficiary orphanages, in collaboration with the Church, in keeping with the Catholic tradition of almsgiving and care for the needy.

Presenting the award, Mr. Cyril (CY) Nwokeke, Chairman of CMO, Maria Assumpta Cathedral, described Chief Orie as “a father whose arms have carried the Church, a giver whose heart beats for humanity.”

In his remarks, the President of CMO eulogized Chief Orie, noting that his labour of love has become seed sown on fertile ground. He prayed that God continues to reward him abundantly “this Father’s Day and beyond, for being a true father to the faithful.”

His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, while blessing the award, commended Chief Orie’s quiet but impactful Christianity:“The Church does not confer Ugonna lightly. It is for men who mirror St. Joseph – silent workers, providers, protectors. Chief Charles Orie is such a man,” the Archbishop declared.

The Ugonna title, reserved for Catholic men of proven character, faith, and service to community, now places Chief Charles Orie in the pantheon of lay faithful whose lives preach louder than sermons.

As the 2026 Father’s Day celebration ended with hymns of thanksgiving, one message rang clear at Maria Assumpta Cathedral: when God raises a man for His people, the Church recognizes him. And in Chief Charles Orie, the Church has found Ugonna – an outstanding father indeed.