Dunukofia, Anambra State – The wife of the Anambra State Governor and founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, was the special guest earlier today at the financial empowerment of 1,080 petty traders.
The event, held at the Dunukofia Local Government Council Secretariat in Ukpo, was sponsored by Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Eze (Ozoigbondu) and High Chief Jim Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike na Dioka).
During the event, Dr. Soludo also launched and declared open the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Saturday Workout Session in Dunukofia, further promoting her wellness advocacy.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Soludo praised the Mayor of Dunukofia for his numerous achievements in the local government. She emphasized the importance of empowerment, stating that the state administration prioritizes it and appreciates efforts by local governments, organizations, and private individuals who contribute to such initiatives.
“If you know what it means to lift 1,080 people up in their businesses, a lot of families will benefit from this,” she said. “I urge everyone being empowered today to put all their minds into it. My husband and I have been empowering people for over 30 years through our charity organization, and one thing I’ve discovered is that it’s not about the amount of money given to you but what you use the money for.”
She expressed particular joy that women were the primary beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme. “Women have the capacity to multiply this money and use it to take care of their families. I encourage you all to make very good use of it. If you do, the sponsors will be motivated to do more. I pray this money becomes a seed that multiplies and bears fruit.”
Dr. Soludo called on other stakeholders with resources to join in empowering the people, stressing that such efforts are crucial for sustained development. She highlighted the success of the state’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, noting that many beneficiaries have already become millionaires.
“The governor is always thinking of how to empower more youths! This is what we want because Anambra is rising! Anambra must succeed! There is no option to that!” she declared. “Mr. Governor is already referred to as ‘Oluatuegwu’. If all our mayors can be like the Mayor of Dunukofia, Anambra will be even better!”
The First Lady also seized the opportunity to promote her Healthy Living campaign. “Healthy living is everything because, for anyone to be productive including those being empowered today, they need to be healthy!” she said.
“Healthy living is not rocket science. We emphasize eating food naturally, the way God created it. Avoid packaged foods and sugary drinks. Return to backyard gardening. We will distribute free seeds through the Mayor’s wife to those interested in starting backyard gardens. Be cautious of what you put into your body. 90% of illnesses result from what we eat!”
In a show of support, Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Eze, a prominent son of the soil, donated ₦10 million to the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative.
The Mayor of Dunukofia and host of the event, Hon. Chijioke Ozumba, Esq., expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for the numerous road projects delivered in the area. “The governor always carries Dunukofia along. There’s no program he has done without including us,” he said.
He detailed the council’s empowerment initiatives, including:
- 200 farmers receiving ₦50,000 each alongside farming equipment.
- 860 students registered for JAMB, with one scoring 354, ranking among Nigeria’s best candidates.
- 1,000 indigent residents enrolled in the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).
- 1,080 petty traders empowered in the first phase, with a second phase set for August.
“Prince Arthur Eze sponsored 600 beneficiaries, while High Chief Jim Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike na Dioka) sponsored 300. We couldn’t stop at 900, so we completed the number,” the Mayor explained.
The event displayed the collaborative efforts between government, private sponsors, and community leaders in driving economic empowerment and healthy living in Anambra State.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including:
- Deputy Mayor of Dunukofia, Lady Lillian Chinweze
- Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi
- Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike
- Member Representing Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Azotani Francis Chuks
- Deputy APGA State Woman Leader, Mrs. Chinwe Udodi Umerie
- Traditional rulers
- MD of ARTMA, Engr. Okonkwo Emeka
- Sponsors, Mayor’s wives, Healthy Living Team (Dunukofia Chapter), One Youth Two Skills beneficiaries, Dunukofia Literary Rebirth Group, Dunukofia Women Leaders, Security Personnel, and other stakeholders.
