Wife of Anambra State Governor and founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, Dr. Nonye Soludo, marked her 55th birthday on Friday, August 2, with a powerful act of compassion — settling the medical bills of 200 indigent patients across three major hospitals in the state.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, and the General Hospital in Okpoko, received not only financial relief but also heartfelt prayers and encouragement from the First Lady during her visits.
Dr. Soludo, who has consistently opted for service-based celebrations over lavish parties, said her annual tradition is inspired by a deep desire to give back to society and uplift the most vulnerable. She described the gesture as the essence of meaningful leadership — the ability to bring comfort, hope, and healing.
“We must understand that leadership is not just about titles or ceremonies. It’s about showing up for people who can’t repay you. That is how we build a truly humane society,” she told reporters shortly after leaving the hospital wards.
Her message was clear and urgent: political office holders, community leaders, and the privileged must rethink how they celebrate milestones and use such occasions as opportunities to bridge the growing gap between the powerful and the powerless.
According to her, “Even helping an elderly woman to find a place to rest or sitting with someone in pain can be a gift. You don’t need to be wealthy to show love — you just need to be human.”
Dr. Soludo’s outreach has already drawn applause from across the state and beyond, with citizens praising her humility, consistency, and example in a country where political birthdays are often marked with opulence instead of service.
