The wife of the Anambra State Governor and Founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has flagged off the Healthy Living Sports Competition in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, advocating greater commitment to physical fitness, preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyles among Nigerians.
The initiative, which combines sports, wellness advocacy and community engagement, is aimed at encouraging citizens to embrace active living as a way of improving overall wellbeing and reducing the risk of lifestyle-related health challenges.
Represented at the event by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, Dr. Soludo urged residents to make healthy living a daily practice through proper nutrition, regular exercise and preventive health measures.
The flag-off ceremony attracted youths, community members, sports enthusiasts, traditional leaders and other stakeholders, who participated in activities designed to promote fitness, teamwork and unity.
Sponsored by the Executive Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Iyom Amaka Obi, the competition provided an avenue for participants to showcase their sporting abilities while highlighting the role of grassroots sports in building healthier and more connected communities.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Obidike appreciated the people of Idemili South for their support and commitment to the Healthy Living initiative. He commended the council leadership, organisers, participants and stakeholders for embracing a programme that uses sports as a platform for wellness promotion and community development.
The Commissioner encouraged residents to continue making healthy choices, particularly by eating nutritious meals, engaging in regular physical activities and maintaining fitness as part of their daily routine.
He noted that regular exercise and healthy nutrition remain important factors in preventing lifestyle-related diseases and promoting a productive population.
“The message is simple: eat healthy and keep fit always. A healthy population is a productive population, and everyone has a role to play in building a healthier Anambra State,” Dr. Obidike said.
He described the competition as more than a sporting event, noting that it serves as a platform for strengthening community relationships, encouraging active lifestyles and promoting a culture of wellness that can be replicated across communities.
Dr. Obidike added that initiatives such as the Healthy Living Sports Competition demonstrate the importance of combining sports with health awareness to achieve a healthier society.
In her remarks, Dr. Nonye Soludo expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Iyom Amaka Obi, the Idemili South Healthy Living Team and everyone whose dedication, organisation and participation contributed to the success of the event.
She said the enthusiasm displayed by the community showed a shared understanding that good health remains one of life’s greatest assets.
“As we continue to deepen the Healthy Living culture across our state, I encourage other communities to emulate this beautiful example set by Idemili South. Let us keep choosing healthy lifestyles, staying physically active and investing in the wellbeing of our people, because a healthier society is the foundation of a stronger, happier and more prosperous future,” Dr. Soludo stated.
The Healthy Living Sports Competition is expected to extend its wellness message to more communities across Anambra State, reinforcing the role of sports in youth engagement, social development and improved quality of life.
The Idemili South event highlights how grassroots initiatives can contribute to the broader drive for preventive healthcare, active living and healthier communities, while demonstrating the power of sports as a tool for promoting unity and wellbeing among citizens.
