Soludo’s Daughter Charges Youths on Nation Building, Women’s Dignity

By Praise Chinecherem

AWKA — In a stirring address marked by passion for civic responsibility and youth advancement, Miss Ifeatu Soludo, daughter of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Friday called upon Nigerian youths to rise to the solemn duty of shaping the nation’s future through active participation, discipline and enlightened leadership.

The youthful advocate, who serves as the Anambra State Woman Leader of the City Boy Movement, delivered the charge while speaking before lecturers, student leaders and undergraduates at the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat Building of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Addressing the gathering with conviction, Miss Soludo urged students of voting age not to abandon their civic obligations, stressing that the future of the nation must not be left in the hands of a few while the youth remain silent spectators.

“Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power,” she declared. “Do not sit back and allow others to decide the future on your behalf.”

She further encouraged eligible students aged 18 years and above to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing democratic participation as a sacred responsibility capable of influencing national progress.

Speaking particularly to young women, the Gloria Foundation founder admonished them never to underestimate their abilities, insisting that the society stands in need of their intelligence, creativity and leadership.

“You are strong, gifted and capable of greatness,” she stated. “The nation needs your ideas and contributions. Continue to believe in yourselves and pursue your aspirations with confidence.”

Miss Soludo also commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for supporting initiatives aimed at youth development and social enlightenment, while encouraging students to pursue academic excellence alongside positive societal impact.

In a humanitarian gesture that drew commendation from participants, the Governor’s daughter distributed hundreds of sanitary pads to female students of the institution, using the occasion to advocate improved menstrual hygiene and health awareness among young girls and women.

She described menstruation as a natural condition of womanhood which ought never to be associated with shame, fear or embarrassment.

According to her, many young girls across the country still suffer setbacks during their menstrual periods owing to inadequate access to sanitary products, proper information and social support.

“Some girls miss classes and important activities simply because of menstrual-related challenges,” she observed. “Menstrual hygiene goes beyond sanitary pads. It is about cleanliness, dignity, confidence and proper health education.”

She urged young women to take personal hygiene seriously, emphasizing that their health, dignity and ambitions must remain protected and valued.

Miss Soludo equally appealed to women leaders, parents and stakeholders in society to create a supportive environment where girls can freely seek guidance and accurate information concerning menstrual health without fear or stigma.

“No girl should feel ashamed to ask questions,” she concluded. “No girl should feel alone, and no girl should be forced to choose between her education and her health.”

The event formed part of broader youth engagement and women empowerment initiatives championed by the Gloria Foundation within educational institutions across the state.