At 56, Anambra First Lady Nonye Soludo Celebrates Milestone with Lasting Legacy in Health, Environment

By Rose Obi

As the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Frances Soludo, marks her 56th birthday on Friday, July 31, tributes are pouring in for a woman whose tenure has been defined by advocacy for healthy living, environmental sustainability and community development.

Since assuming the role of First Lady in 2022 following the inauguration of her husband, Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Dr. Soludo has championed initiatives aimed at improving public health, promoting nutritious diets and encouraging environmental consciousness across the state.

Born on July 31, 1970, in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Dr. Soludo studied Computer Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before obtaining a degree in Finance from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom. Prior to becoming First Lady, she built a successful career as an entrepreneur, establishing an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training centre.

At the heart of her public service is the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, a flagship campaign that promotes preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition, regular physical exercise, environmental sanitation and organic farming.

According to her Media Aide, Mr. Daniel Ezeigwe, the initiative was conceived to inspire residents to embrace healthier lifestyles while fostering sustainable environmental practices.

“The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative encourages families to adopt healthier habits through home gardening, improved nutrition, preventive healthcare and environmental sustainability,” Ezeigwe said.

One of the programme’s notable achievements is the Healthy Living Garden Project, which has been established in schools and communities across Anambra State to encourage food security, healthy eating and agricultural self-reliance.

Beyond nutrition and environmental advocacy, Dr. Soludo has remained actively involved in maternal and child healthcare programmes, as well as interventions designed to improve the welfare of women and vulnerable children throughout the state.

Her contributions have earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious First Lady of the Year Award for Healthcare and Child Support at the Nigerian Humanitarian Awards.

Observers say her consistent advocacy has significantly raised public awareness about healthy living and environmental responsibility, while complementing the Anambra State Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life for residents.

As she celebrates her 56th birthday, Dr. Soludo continues to project a vision centred on healthier families, cleaner communities and sustainable development—an agenda that has become a defining feature of her service as Anambra’s First Lady.