Anambra First Lady Nonye Soludo has won the health activism category at the 2026 BudgIT Active Citizens Awards.
Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Soludo, received the award for her efforts in advancing preventive healthcare, community wellness, and public health advocacy through her non-governmental organisation, the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative. This initiative has been championing several people-centred health projects in Anambra State, including statewide fitness campaigns, maternal and child health advocacy, nutrition education, environmental sanitation, and free seed distribution to households.
The award recognises individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to civic engagement, social development, accountability, and sustainable development across Nigeria. Nonye Soludo was honoured ahead of Nigerian health and gender rights advocate, Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, and public health and social impact professional, Sidney Sampson, after a rigorous selection process that assessed nominees based on innovation, impact, sustainability, inclusion, leadership, and measurable community outcomes.
The BudgIT Active Citizens Awards in its third edition, seeks to identify and celebrate individuals and organisations that are using their platforms to create positive impact in their communities. Since becoming Anambra First Lady, Dr. Soludo has championed several people-centred initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of people in the state.
Nonye Soludo expressed appreciation to BudgIT, Civic Hive, and the Ford Foundation for the recognition, adding that it would motivate the initiative to expand its reach and continue promoting healthier communities. The recognition further highlights Mrs. Soludo's commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Anambra residents while contributing to Nigeria's broader public health development.
The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative has been a beacon of hope for many communities in Anambra State, providing them with access to healthcare services, education, and other essential resources. The initiative's impact extends beyond the state, as it contributes to Nigeria's national health development goals.
The BudgIT Active Citizens Awards serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate the efforts of individuals and organisations that are working tirelessly to create positive change in their communities. By honouring Nonye Soludo, the awards committee acknowledges her dedication to promoting healthy living and improving public health in Anambra State.
The recognition of Nonye Soludo's efforts comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with various public health challenges. The health sector faces several challenges, including inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate access to healthcare services. Nonye Soludo's initiative has been working to address these challenges, providing access to healthcare services, education, and other essential resources to communities in need.
The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative has been a model for promoting healthy living and preventing diseases. The initiative has been working with local communities, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to implement health projects that address the specific needs of each community.
The BudgIT Active Citizens Awards is an annual event that brings together individuals and organisations from across Nigeria to celebrate outstanding contributions to civic engagement and public health. This year's awards saw Nonye Soludo emerge as the winner of the health activism category, beating out other nominees who have also been making a significant impact in their communities.
As the winner of the health activism category, Nonye Soludo will receive a trophy and a cash prize to support her initiative. The recognition will also provide her with a platform to share her experiences and best practices with other individuals and organisations in the public health sector.
The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative has been a driving force behind several public health projects in Anambra State. The initiative has been working to promote healthy living, prevent diseases, and improve access to healthcare services in communities across the state. The BudgIT Active Citizens Awards is a testament to the impact of the initiative and its contributions to public health in Nigeria.
Nonye Soludo's initiative has also been working to promote nutrition education, environmental sanitation, and free seed distribution to households. These projects have positively impacted the lives of thousands of people in Anambra State, providing them with access to essential resources and healthcare services.
The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative has been a model for public health advocacy in Nigeria. The initiative has been working to promote healthy living and prevent diseases, providing access to healthcare services, education, and other essential resources to communities in need.
'Like a family driven by one common goal, we have shown that when communities take ownership of their health, lasting transformation becomes very possible,' she said.
The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative has been working to promote healthy living, prevent diseases, and improve access to healthcare services in communities across Anambra State. The initiative has also been advocating for policy changes that support the delivery of quality healthcare services to vulnerable populations.
The BudgIT Active Citizens Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding contributions to civic engagement and public health. This year's awards recognised Nonye Soludo's efforts to promote healthy living and prevent diseases in Anambra State.
Nonye Soludo expressed appreciation to BudgIT, Civic Hive, and the Ford Foundation for the recognition, adding that it would motivate the initiative to expand its reach and continue promoting healthier communities. The recognition further highlights Mrs. Soludo's commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Anambra residents while contributing to Nigeria's broader public health development.