Amawbia, Anambra State – In a vibrant courtesy visit yesterday, the Deputy Mayors of Anambra’s 21 local government areas, led by Hon. Amaechina Ikeli, Chairman of the Deputy Mayors and Deputy Mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, paid homage to Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra State Governor, at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.
Mrs. Soludo warmly welcomed the delegation, commending their seamless collaboration with Mayors across their local government headquarters to propel Anambra’s progress.
“Mr. Governor is not your typical politician! I am absolutely confident there will be an Anambra before Soludo and after Soludo, just as it was in the banking sector before and after his tenure,” she declared. “Before Soludo became Governor of the Central Bank, no Nigerian bank ranked among the top 100 globally. He transformed that narrative as CBN Governor, and I have faith in his ability to deliver. When he commits to a goal, consider it done. I thank you all for being integral to this team, ensuring Anambra takes its rightful place.”
Addressing their concerns, Mrs. Soludo assured the Deputy Mayors, “I have heard your pleas, and I will discuss them with the Governor!” She expressed deep gratitude for their unique gift of a live cow, a gesture that highlighted the warmth of the visit.
The First Lady lauded the Deputy Mayors for embracing her “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Saturday Workout Session” initiative across their local government headquarters.
“This initiative goes beyond exercise, it fosters community bonds,” she emphasized. “In the past, neighbors connected and conversed freely. In Western countries, parks serve as hubs for networking and relationships, but that culture has faded here. This program revives community togetherness and strengthens relationships.”
Seizing the opportunity, Mrs. Soludo passionately advocated for backyard gardening, urging the Deputy Mayors to be mindful of their consumption. “What we eat either heals or harms us,” she cautioned, distributing a variety of seeds including hot pepper, tomatoes, scent leaves, cucumber, watermelon, carrot, and cabbage to the Deputy Mayors for their personal gardens and to share with their communities.
“Whether you have land or not, you can plant in bags or flower vases. Vegetables are far more valuable than ornamental flowers, you can use them to beautify your compound and homes,” she advised.
Highlighting the economic potential of agriculture, she added, “People overlook the vast opportunities in farming! A well-maintained garden can become a lucrative venture. I’ve received countless testimonies from individuals who, thanks to this initiative, are now earning income from their backyard gardens.”
Hon. Amaechina Ikeli, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Mayors, expressed profound gratitude to Mrs. Soludo for her warm reception and for spearheading a health revolution in Anambra. He urged her to remain steadfast in her transformative vision.
Representing his colleagues, Hon. Ikeli made a bold plea to the First Lady, requesting her to advocate for their inclusion in the Governor’s re-election campaign organization for his second-term bid. He also appealed for enhanced mobility support for the Deputy Mayors. With confidence, he declared, “Come November 8th this year, Governor Soludo will sweep all 326 wards in Anambra, thanks to his monumental achievements in just three years.”
The visit showcased the synergy between Anambra’s leadership and its local government officials, with Mrs. Soludo’s visionary initiatives setting the stage for a healthier, more prosperous state.
