The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, has been conferred with a Doctor of Public Health and Nutrition (Honoris Causa) by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State.

Mrs Soludo received the award during the 25th anniversary celebration of COOU at its Igbariam Campus on Saturday, in recognition of her transformative “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative.”

The institution also awarded higher degrees and honorary doctorates to other distinguished personalities in the state, including the South East Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ada Chukwudozie; the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, Igwe Alex Onyido; and businessmen Chidozie Mbanefo and Chief Christopher Ndubuisi.

In her address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kate Omenugha, stated that the award, which she termed the ‘Ojukwu Legacy Award’, was intended to encourage individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to members of the University community and other guests for honouring the university’s invitation.

She said, “We are proud to combine five years of academic success into this celebration. This stable academic calendar is a legacy we intend to sustain as we move forward.

“We express our gratitude to the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for his numerous contributions to the university community, and we underscore our openness to partnerships that can enhance educational opportunities.

“We appreciate the governor for his unwavering commitment to our institution.”

In his address, Governor Chukwuma Soludo reflected on the transformation of COOU since his administration assumed office, adding,
“The university is far different from what it used to be since my last visit.

“This reinforces the need for partnerships with the private sector and local communities to expedite development.”

The governor emphasised that the government alone cannot accelerate development without collaboration with the private sector and communities.

He praised former Governor Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who founded the university, as well as his predecessors and others who have contributed to its growth.

“Late Dr Mbadinuju is not celebrated enough here. We must find something significant to immortalise him.

“I celebrate all men of goodwill who love and believe in education as the bridge to the future.

“Warmest congratulations to my darling wife, Nonye Soludo, on being conferred with a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Food and Nutrition by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

“This recognition is a testament to her tireless advocacy for healthy living, which has inspired countless individuals through her initiative, ‘Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo.’

“I am proud of her dedication to promoting wellness and nutrition, and I am grateful to COOU for this honour,” Soludo added.

Also addressing the audience, the Pro-Chancellor of COOU, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, emphasised the importance of communal engagement and forward-thinking in education.

Odinkalu stated, “We have celebrated our heritage this week, and we intend to forge a vibrant future for this university.

”A university community is an environment where disagreement can occur in a spirit of cordiality. I encourage everyone to join in and actively participate in this journey.”

The Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, commended the governor’s administration for prioritising education as a foundation for progress, adding, “Governor Soludo’s government remains unwavering in its mission to elevate education in our state.”

In her remarks, the Governor’s wife thanked the institution for the award and expressed her profound gratitude to all for their support.

The ceremony was well attended, with notable figures such as the Deputy Governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze; House of Representatives member representing Ihiala, Paschal Agbodike; traditional rulers; and other dignitaries.