The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, has cleared the hospital bills of 200 patients as part of her 55th birthday celebration.
Dr Soludo visited Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, and the new General Hospital in Okpoko on Thursday.
During the visits, she gave cash gifts to patients and covered the cost of several surgeries and treatments. Many also received free eye care, screenings for malaria, diabetes, respiratory infections, and other health services.
Speaking after the visit to the Okpoko hospital, the First Lady said helping the sick and needy has always been her way of marking her birthday.
“Rather than celebrate my birthday with parties, I celebrate it with the needy by visiting hospitals and less-privileged homes. This is a long-term tradition I have been practising long before I got married,” she said.
She added, “Even during my single years, I celebrated with orphans, the sick, and the poor. I have never really been a person for parties. If you see me organising a birthday gathering, it is usually a low-key one with my family or close friends.”
Dr Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, said making others happy brings her the most joy.
“My happiest moments are when I see people smile. That is all I need to feel fulfilled. With what I have done today, I consider my birthday celebration complete; whatever comes after is just extra,” she said.
She also praised hospital staff for their hard work and urged others to learn the habit of helping those in need.
“Making people smile doesn’t cost much; sometimes all it takes is your presence and attention. Even helping an old woman find a place to sleep is an act of love,” she said.
Later that evening at a small celebration in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo described his wife as the strong force behind their home.
“The day I knew that I was very blessed was the day I won her heart,” the governor said. “Whatever we have been able to accomplish in life, she is the machine, the engine, that powers the house.”
He added, “Behind her soft words is a woman of steel, a woman of character, and my children and I are lucky to have a mother like her.”
