Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, says empowerment of women is very critical in building a better and more prosperous society.
Dr Soludo was speaking at the 2026 Anambra Women Summit, with the theme, “Empower her, Elevate All”, organized by the Office of the State Women leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, on 6th March, 2026, as part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8.
The event which took place at the APGA Regional Secretariat in Awka, attracted groups from all walks of life, women groups from the 21 Local Government Areas of the State, civil servants, Civil Society Groups, as well as women associations, including the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Anambra State Chapter.
The Anambra First Lady who noted that the family is the nucleus of any society, noted that when women are well empowered, this will greatly strengthen the families, which will in turn reflect on the communities, the State and the nation at large.
According to her, when women are empowered, society becomes stronger and the country is placed in safer and more responsible hands.
She observed that women are naturally trustworthy and dependable, and anything entrusted to their care is often managed with diligence and integrity.
Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, founder of the Dr. Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative, however, declared that empowerment must first begin with the individual through self-realisation, personal growth, and self-motivation.
She maintained that the administration of Governor Charles Soludo has remained committed to policies and programmes aimed at women Empowerment, urging women to acquire skills and engage in productive ventures rather than waiting solely for external support.
The First Lady further advised women to be intentional and proactive in their pursuits, stressing that external assistance should only complement their efforts rather than be their sole reliance.
She listed various forms of empowerments such as economic empowerment, educational empowerment, health empowerment, and social empowerment, among others.
Dr Soludo asserted that the present administration prioritises competence and service rather than gender bias.
“What we have come here to do today is to celebrate women. Women, as I always say, are unique beings intelligent, strong, hardworking, truthful and positive. We should celebrate women every day in a special way. Women constitute a major voting population, and I am sure you are proud of our state governor.
“A happy wife makes a happy home. When a woman is happy, the home is peaceful, and the community also enjoys peace.
“The current administration does not see governance through the lens of gender; rather, it focuses on who is capable of delivering results. When we empower women, we empower the entire society.
“As women, we must participate actively in every sphere of life. God created women uniquely, and the responsibilities placed on our shoulders show that we have the capacity to do so much. Women are truthful, and whatever is placed in their hands is usually safe and well-managed.
“There is still a lot of work to be done in our communities, and the progress we see today is largely because women are actively involved in community development. We must also pay close attention to what happens within our homes.
“We must return to the communal spirit of being our brother’s keeper. Many things are going wrong today because people no longer look out for one another. Let us revive that culture of care and responsibility.
On general lifestyle and healthy living, Mrs Soludo cautioned,
“I also urge women to remain focused on their responsibilities at home. In everything you do, take care of yourself, eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and drink enough water. Health is the greatest wealth. Pay attention to your mental health and be intentional about taking care of your well-being.
“We talk about inclusivity, but we must also remain healthy to contribute meaningfully. Take time to visit neighbours who are ill, and check on those you have not seen for a long time. We need one another to make society a better place,” Nonye Soludo admonished.
“When women come together, they can influence government policies and programmes. Our governor has a listening ear and is always willing to invest in initiatives that will help achieve his vision for the state..
“We also urge women to support one another in the spirit of APGA mantra, ‘Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya’ (Leave No One Behind). Women must comport themselves properly and manage whatever resources they are entrusted with responsibly,” she added.
The governor’s wife later presented cash and other items to support the women.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, Barr Prince Chukwudi Oli, affirmed that women remain the foundation of the family and society, expressing belief that the women would utilize all they learnt at the summit for their advancement..
He urged them to remain hopeful and peaceful as well as support one another.
In her welcome address, the State APGA Women leader, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, stressed the importance of empowering women for the growth of the society, adding that women including widows, non-indigenes were randomly selected across wards for the first phase of the empowerment program.
She expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event.
Contributing, the Member representing Onitsha North One Constituency in the Anambra State Assembly, Barr Mimi Azikiwe, further affirmed that empowering women means stronger families and better society.
Barr. Azikiwe stressed the need for more opportunities for women in leadership, training and professional development for better opportunities in executive and decision making positions.
Speaking also, Chief Executive Officer of Seahorse Company, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, said the summit was organised to empower women and equip them with the knowledge and skills required to become self-reliant and influential leaders in society.
Onunkwo urged the women to remain responsible citizens, demonstrate good character, and lead by example in their various communities.
He further encouraged them to continue supporting the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his vision of making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland.
Highlights of the event include march past by APGA women from the 21 local government areas of the state, and traditional dances
The march past saw Ogbaru LGA emerging the first, Awka North, the came second, and Idemili North got the third position. Winners went home with various cash prizes and other gift items.
