As others might mark milestone birthdays with celebration and pomp, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, chose instead to dedicate his 65th birthday to humanitarian service—visiting mental health patients, inmates, and hospital patients across the state on Monday.
From a psychiatric hospital in Nawfia to St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Iyienu Hospital in Ogidi, and the Onitsha Correctional Centre, Governor Soludo’s journey across Anambra was a powerful reflection of empathy, reform, and his government’s people-focused approach.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, confirmed that the day began at Nawfia Psychiatric Hospital, where Governor Soludo was warmly received by medical staff and patients. He took time to engage patients directly, initiating heartfelt conversations and encouraging them with words of support.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. We must work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that those who need help receive it,” the governor stated.
He further cautioned the youth: “Be mindful of what you consume, for the sake of your mental health.”
The governor also announced the ongoing construction of a mental rehabilitation facility in Nibo and pledged continued support to improve conditions at the Nawfia centre.
Hope Behind Bars
The next stop on the governor’s itinerary was the Onitsha Correctional Centre, where he addressed a gathering of inmates and correctional officers. He spoke passionately about rehabilitation, the importance of second chances, and the need to reform Nigeria’s correctional system to reflect its name.
“Every one of us deserves a second chance. Our facilities should not only serve as centers of confinement but as places of transformation,” Governor Soludo said.
He urged the inmates to embrace the vocational and educational training programmes available within the facility.
“We want our youth to find purpose and opportunity without having to turn to crime,” he added, calling for a renewed societal approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation.
Facing Healthcare Challenges
Rounding off his birthday outreach, Governor Soludo visited St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, where he interacted with both patients and frontline healthcare workers. The visit brought attention to the ongoing challenges in the state’s healthcare sector, including overcrowding and lack of resources.
“Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be provided by the government, and we must ensure that every citizen has access to quality care,” the governor declared.
The final stop was Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi, where the governor was warmly welcomed by staff and students who presented him with a birthday cake. Cutting the cake with students symbolized a hopeful end to a day filled with compassion and meaningful reflection.
“This is just the beginning. My 65th year will be driven by a renewed sense of purpose – to uplift the underserved, empower the vulnerable, and promote healing in every corner of Anambra,” Soludo affirmed as he concluded the outreach.
A New Chapter of Service
Governor Soludo was joined throughout the day by key government officials including Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi (Chief of Staff), Dr. Afam Obidike (Commissioner for Health), Mr. Chinedu Nwoye (Deputy Chief of Staff), and the Chief of Protocol.
The day’s events not only showcased the governor’s personal values but also set a tone for his administration’s ongoing focus on healthcare reform, mental health awareness, and prison rehabilitation.
