At an Iri Ji Mbaise gathering in Toronto, the businessman and former ISOPADEC managing director discussed diaspora development, political equity, grassroots organisation and proposed measures to ease the burden on small businesses in Imo State.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk
TORONTO, CANADA — Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu has used an Iri Ji Mbaise gathering in Canada to engage members of the Imo community abroad on issues relating to development, political inclusion, economic growth and the role of the diaspora in the future of Imo State.
Speaking during an interview at the event, Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu said he attended to celebrate with the Mbaise community and share in its achievements.
He described Mbaise people living abroad as an important part of Imo State’s international community, pointing to their professional experience, businesses, skills and contributions in different parts of the world.
According to him, Imo people in cities across North America and Europe have built businesses, developed professional careers and contributed to the communities where they live. He said those experiences and connections can also be channelled towards development in Imo State.
His Background and Community Work
Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu said he is from Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and has worked as a businessman and government contractor for many years.
He also recalled his service as Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ISOPADEC, a position he left in 2024.
Beyond his professional career, he said he has remained involved in community development through the Chief Charles Orie Foundation.
According to him, the foundation has supported communities through initiatives including solar street-light projects undertaken in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission, scholarships for Imo State students and assistance to orphanages, hospitals and correctional facilities.
He said his residence and activities between Nigeria and Canada have also provided opportunities to maintain contact with Imo people living abroad.
Diaspora as a Development Partner
Speaking about his engagements with Imo communities outside the country, Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu said the state’s diaspora population should be viewed as a development partner rather than simply a community living outside Nigeria.
He said professional knowledge, international relationships, investment, business experience and technical skills possessed by Imo people abroad could contribute significantly to development at home.
He added that his consultations with Imo groups have extended to different cities and countries across Europe and North America.
Position on Political Equity
Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu also addressed the ongoing political discussion surrounding the proposed Owerri Zone Charter of Equity and related meetings involving stakeholders from Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.
He argued that geographical origin should not, by itself, determine who is qualified to seek public office in Imo State.
In his view, competence, character, capacity and the ability to deliver results should be central considerations when political leadership is being discussed.
He maintained that Imo State remains one entity and cautioned against political divisions based primarily on the zone from which an individual originates.
His Criticism of Political Alliances
The former ISOPADEC managing director also spoke strongly about what he described as changing political alliances among some political actors in the state.
Recounting his experience in previous political periods, he alleged that he and other supporters of Senator Hope Uzodimma faced political difficulties because of their association with him.
He further alleged that some individuals who are now participating in discussions about political succession had previously opposed Uzodimma’s political ambitions or supported other political figures.
Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu cited political developments under previous administrations as part of his argument that political loyalty and consistency should be considered when discussing future leadership.
These assertions represent his account and political assessment of events and individuals he referenced during the interview.
He questioned what he described as the moral basis for individuals who, in his view, did not support Uzodimma’s political journey to now seek to influence decisions concerning his political future.
Call for Grassroots Political Organisation
Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu said the immediate priority should be political organisation and support for the All Progressives Congress.
He said attention should be directed towards supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma and other APC candidates.
He argued that individuals who regard themselves as political leaders should return to their communities, mobilise support and demonstrate their influence through actual electoral results.
He also criticised what he described as political activities in Owerri that could create unnecessary division among stakeholders.
For him, political participation should ultimately contribute to the unity, peace and development of Imo State.
Economic Relief for Small Businesses
When asked what he would prioritise within the first 30 days of an administration, Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu clarified that he had not formally announced a governorship bid and would make any such announcement at the appropriate time.
He nevertheless shared several policy ideas relating to economic development and small businesses.
One proposal he discussed was an approach to the Imo State Government House, currently known as Douglas House. He said the state legislature could consider legislation to rename it after former Imo State Governor and nationalist Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe.
His economic proposal focused heavily on reducing the financial pressure on micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
He said businesses with annual turnover below ₦500 million should receive a four-year tax break and exemption from certain government levies.
The objective, he explained, would be to give smaller businesses enough room to survive, expand their operations and create employment.
He argued that artisans and small operators, including mechanics, traders, electricians and other informal-sector workers, should not face multiple taxes and levies where government infrastructure and support services remain inadequate.
Using examples of operators at Avu Mechanic Village, Ogbo-Oshishi and the MCC/Toronto area, he said government should create conditions that allow small enterprises to grow.
At the same time, he said larger businesses and oil companies should continue to meet their tax obligations.
Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu stressed that the ideas discussed during the interview should not be treated as a complete political programme, noting that there would be other issues to address at the appropriate time.
A Message Beyond the Gathering
His participation in the Canadian Iri Ji Mbaise gathering brought together community celebration and a wider discussion about the relationship between Imo State and its people abroad.
For Hon. Chief Charles Orie Akuatuegwu, the contribution of the Imo diaspora extends beyond financial support. He believes the knowledge, professional experience, business networks and international exposure of Imo people abroad can become part of a broader development strategy for the state.
He also used the occasion to advocate political participation based on competence and results while calling for unity among Imo people regardless of their senatorial zone or community of origin.
His central message was that political differences should not overshadow the broader responsibility of building a peaceful, productive and economically stronger Imo
Nội dung hay và thực tế. Letco là đơn vị du học Hàn Quốc giàu kinh nghiệm, đồng hành cùng học viên từ A-Z. Ghé letco.vn để được tư vấn miễn phí.