By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, beamed with pride and admiration as he joined countless admirers in celebrating his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, on the conferment of a prestigious Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Food and Nutrition by the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam.
The recognition, awarded during the university’s convocation ceremony, honours Mrs. Soludo’s remarkable contributions to public health, food awareness, and nutrition advocacy through her flagship initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo—a programme that has grown into a movement touching lives in both urban and rural communities.
In an emotionally resonant message shared across his official platforms, Governor Soludo poured encomiums on his wife, referring to her as a visionary whose passion has reshaped health consciousness in Anambra
“Warmest congratulations to my darling wife, Nonye Soludo, on being conferred with a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Food and Nutrition by the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,” the Governor wrote. “This recognition is a testament to her tireless advocacy for healthy living, which has inspired countless individuals through her initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo. I am proud of her dedication to promoting wellness and nutrition, and I’m grateful to COOU for this honour. Cheers to my Queen!”
The First Lady’s programme, launched shortly after the Soludo administration took office, has been widely acclaimed for demystifying nutrition and encouraging healthy habits through media campaigns, school outreach, local training, and community health fairs. Her model integrates practical food education with lifestyle improvement, targeting families, schools, and market women.
Behind her calm demeanour and graceful composure is a determined advocate who understands the link between a healthy citizenry and sustainable development. Through weekly radio programmes, market activations, fitness walks, and collaborations with healthcare professionals, Mrs. Soludo has brought nutrition literacy to the grassroots—often using relatable language and indigenous food examples to connect with ordinary people.
Her efforts have also led to partnerships with health experts and civil society organisations, contributing to better maternal and child health outcomes across the state. In schools, her nutrition clubs have helped reduce junk food consumption among pupils, replacing it with fruits and locally sourced nutritious alternatives.
The conferment ceremony at COOU drew a distinguished audience of academics, policy-makers, traditional rulers, and other important dignitaries. In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Soludo expressed deep appreciation to the university, reiterating her commitment to using the recognition as renewed motivation to expand the frontiers of her advocacy.
“I see this honorary doctorate not as a personal accolade but as a call to greater service. Health is wealth, and our people deserve to live well, eat right, and thrive,” she said.
Governor Soludo’s public tribute was not only a spousal commendation but also a reaffirmation of his administration’s holistic approach to governance—where health, education, and wellbeing form the pillars of state-building.
As the First Lady’s profile continues to rise, her story stands as a compelling reminder that impact does not always begin with a political title but often with empathy, vision, and relentless work. With this latest recognition, Mrs. Nonye Soludo further cements her legacy as a transformative voice in Nigeria’s public health narrative—walking side by side with her husband in the mission to build a liveable, healthy, and prosperous Anambra.
