— Mazi Ejimofor Opara
As Governor Chukwuma Soludo marks his 65th birthday, he chose to celebrate in a manner that reflects his lifelong commitment to humanity. Instead of grand festivities, the governor embarked on an unscheduled visit to several institutions, including the Nawfia Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Onitsha Correctional Center, St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, and Iyienu Teaching Hospital, Ogidi.
At 65, Governor Soludo exudes the energy of a 25-year-old and the wisdom of a seasoned leader. His humility and gratitude were evident in his words: “God has graciously blessed me in any way you think of… Asking Him to bless me would amount to ingratitude.” True to his conviction, he spent his special day spreading hope and advocating for social reformation.
As he interacted with patients and inmates, his message was clear and powerful: “On earth, we must continue to do the work of God. This is the sure way to affect humanity and impact lives positively.” The reception he received was overwhelmingly warm, and his engagement with the people was both heartfelt and enriching.
As the day drew to a close, Governor Soludo’s unwavering commitment to leaving the world better than he met it shone through in his words: “These people are a few of my favorite beings.” His actions serve as a reminder that true leadership is about service, compassion, and making a lasting impact.