Admin I Friday, May 15, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo and wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has called on principals and teachers across the state to diligently implement the Healthy Living initiative in their respective schools.
Mrs. Soludo made this appeal on Friday in Awka during the inauguration of 100 Healthy Living School Ambassadors and the official launch of the Community School Garden Programme in Anambra State.
The First Lady expressed her joy at being in the company of educators, noting, “I am always happy to be with teachers. I married a great teacher, and my mother was also a great teacher.”
She specifically urged teachers and principals to pay close attention to the health and hygiene of female students and to ensure that students eat healthy, natural foods instead of junk food.
“I would be unhappy to find out that any female student is stained while in school,”
Her foundation is supplying sanitary pads to tackle the challenge. “Any student who is stained will not feel comfortable enough to learn, because she will feel unsafe and embarrassed.”
“I don’t want to see any child stained and disorganized in school.
“Healthy living must be our culture and way of life. When you eat natural, healthy food, you reduce your chances of sickness. Students sleeping in class are often reacting to the synthetic food we feed them. Grow vegetables in your school gardens. We must eat healthily and avoid consuming what we don’t understand. Don’t eat what you don’t know.”she said.
She called on the newly inaugurated ambassadors to start promoting a gardening culture in schools and to teach students about its importance.
“Guide the children to maintain gardens in your schools. Grow green pepper, vegetables, and other crops around your school environment. The children will benefit from selling the produce, and part of the proceeds can be used to support the less privileged in society. We must also teach our children the importance of charity,” she said.
According to her, the foundation launched this impactful crusade two years ago with over 200 School Ambassadors and has recorded significant success.
She noted that Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo has become one of the most impactful social movements in Nigeria.
“Your valuable efforts and remarkable contributions to every idea have been inspiring. I want to use this platform to thank you all for your sacrifices, dedication, and vision. The vision I had when this movement began nineteen years ago remains the same. It’s about making a difference by embracing health-conscious habits that improve our quality of life. It’s about the right lifestyle, about humanity, compassion, and collective well-being. Today marks another important step in that shared dream—one driven by deep passion. Thank you all for once again volunteering to be part of this movement. I look forward to the great achievements ahead.”she ssid.
She announced the launch of a tripartite programme:Reintegration of 100 Healthy Living Ambassadors into selected schools,Official flag-off of the Healthy Living Garden Programme in schools, and Inauguration of the Healthy Living Garden Programme for community schools.
“These programmes represent a renewed model to expand our movement’s reach across schools and community schools in Anambra State. We have come together again to chart a fresh course,not just for the success of this programme in schools, but also in communities where these messages are urgently needed. You have all been carefully selected to lead this mission to excellence, and I see a strong passion in you all to succeed,” she said.
Mrs. Soludo reiterated that the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative is a product of deep-seated passion and is committed to cultivating a culture of full health awareness among the people.
“You can call it a mindset shift. Being aware of your body is the first step to good health. Living right doesn’t require wealth—it’s about simple, intentional habits that guide how we eat and care for ourselves. I like to use the slogan, ‘You are what you eat.’ If you don’t know what you’re putting into your body, your body won’t understand either. Healthy living is a conscious practice. To live healthily is to live happily. Our mission is to guide students through routines that foster a happy and healthy life. We want to build an army of healthy living advocates. Ultimately, we want every student in Anambra State to participate in this movement, and the momentum begins with you.”she added.
She addressed the Ambassadors and Principals directly:“My dear Ambassadors and beloved Principals, we are entrusting you with this renewed responsibility because we believe in you. You have been chosen for something significant,a brand you must wear with pride. Take up this responsibility with commitment. Your role is both demanding and unique. You are a central part of what we aim to achieve. As Teacher Ambassadors, your job is to groom students according to our standards. We expect regular reports on club activities in your schools. These reports help us monitor progress, understand challenges, and stay on track. The club manual should serve as your daily guide. Every club member must represent excellence—in character, appearance, and conduct. And you must lead by example. Work closely with your school heads; these clubs belong to the schools.”
She added that 100 Teacher Ambassadors have been re-nominated based on proven commitment and from time to time, they are expected to submit feedback through provided channels.
“To our dear Principals, you play a vital role in this project. In each designated school, your support is critical. The success or failure of these initiatives lies in your hands. I urge you to work hand in hand with the Ambassadors to ensure the success of the school clubs and the Healthy Living Gardens. Our Pad Bank Initiative is also key to this programme. Today, we are setting up Healthy Living Pad Banks in secondary schools with large female student populations, with Ambassadors overseeing them. This is just the first phase. More schools will be involved in subsequent phases based on eligibility.”she said.
Mrs. Soludo also emphasized her deep commitment to the Healthy Living Garden Programme.
“Just like the Pad Bank Initiative, this programme symbolizes who we are and what we envision for our society. The Garden Programme will run as a termly competition to motivate students to embrace agriculture, cultivate discipline, and understand the value of giving. I urge both the Ambassadors and Principals to work together for the successful implementation of both projects. We have a streamlined process for restocking Pad Banks and will provide attractive rewards to schools with the best-performing gardens.” Mrs Soludo.
She concluded by stressing the importance of healthy living:
“Our relationship with our body determines what it gives back. Feed it well, and it rewards you with wellness. Feed it poorly, and it brings illness. This is the mindset we want to instill in our students.
“Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo is designed to give every student the foundation to thrive. Each club member must stand out. Cleanliness is a core requirement. Discipline is key, and we must reflect that in everything we do. As Teacher Ambassadors, this responsibility is yours. Whether we succeed or fail depends on you—but we must succeed.”
