The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged residents, particularly women and mothers, to prioritise their health and overall well‑being, describing good health as the foundation of a productive life, health advocates said in Abuja on Monday.
Nigeria continues to face a high burden of lifestyle‑related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
Experts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of preventive health measures, including balanced nutrition, physical activity and regular medical check‑ups, to reduce avoidable illness and improve quality of life.
Government and civil society initiatives have sought to promote wellness and early detection of disease across states, including Anambra.
Dr Soludo is the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, which has previously organised community health outreach programmes and public fitness events across the state to encourage healthy lifestyles.
In a press statement issued as part of her monthly health and fitness message, Dr Soludo urged individuals to adopt a holistic approach to health that includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well‑being. “A healthy body is the foundation of a productive life, health is the greatest wealth,” she said.
She encouraged residents to nourish themselves well in order to “think well, move well, work well, love well and sleep well,” adding that personal care and preventive measures can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases.
Highlighting practical steps, Dr Soludo called for regular exercise such as walking and stretching, balanced diets, routine medical check‑ups and proactive self‑care.
She also advocated for the use of natural foods, the creation of backyard gardens, and reduced reliance on processed foods to improve nutrition.
The First Lady emphasised the need for mothers to prioritise their own health and “me‑time” in order to care effectively for their families and communities.
She underscored the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, complete immunisation for children, and the use of insecticide‑treated nets to prevent malaria.
Public health experts say sustained advocacy for healthy living can complement state efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary care level, where early intervention and preventive care are essential. Anambra State has been expanding community health initiatives, including recruitment of community‑based health workers to improve access to basic services.
Encouraging healthy habits at the individual level could reduce the strain on healthcare facilities, lower disease burden and contribute to productivity and economic participation among residents, health observers say.
Dr Nonye Soludo has urged Anambra residents to prioritise their health and well‑being through holistic self‑care, balanced diet, exercise and preventive medical engagement.
The call reflects ongoing efforts to reduce lifestyle‑related illnesses and foster a culture of wellness across the state.
