Youth Association Launch Health Drive Across Anambra

In a renewed drive to strengthen grassroots health advocacy, the Youth Wing of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) has launched a far-reaching initiative aimed at promoting healthy living across the state’s 179 communities.

The one-day seminar, held at the ASATU Secretariat, Old Government House, Awka, brought together lady organisers and youth leaders and marked the official inauguration of the Healthy Living Advocates.

The event also featured the unveiling of a Healthy Living Advocacy Handbook, a comprehensive guide designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to champion health and wellness in their localities.

Addressing participants, Comrade Ken Okoli, President General of ASATU Youths, underscored the crucial role of young people in community health mobilisation.

He noted that the newly introduced handbook would serve as a strategic resource for campaigns focusing on wellness, hygiene, physical fitness, and civic responsibility.

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“The youth are pivotal in driving the message of healthy living using relatable and culturally grounded language,” he said.

“This movement is not just about health—it’s a campaign for good governance. Our collaboration with ASATU Women aligns with the vision of Dr Nonye Soludo, wife of the governor, who champions the Healthy Living initiative.”

Comrade Okoli also emphasised the need to integrate wellness into political consciousness, particularly in view of the forthcoming November 8 election, affirming ASATU Youths’ support for Governor Charles Soludo’s second-term bid as a path to continued development and healthier communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, spoke on the theme: “Raising Healthy Living Advocates in the 179 Communities in Anambra State.”

She praised the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention to sustain the gains of the Soludo administration, especially in policies targeting women and children, including free education, free antenatal care, and free delivery services.

“Healthy living begins with the people,” Obinabo said.

“Through the efforts of Dr Nonye Soludo, women at the grassroots are becoming agents of change and health champions in their homes and communities.”

The Commissioner encouraged participants to support the First Lady’s Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo campaign and to work towards ensuring the continuity of its benefits through the re-election of the current administration.

Other speakers at the seminar included:

• Dr Uju Okoye, Head of Reproductive Health, Anambra State Ministry of Health, who revealed that over 19,767 babies have been delivered at no cost in state health facilities since the introduction of the free delivery policy in September 2023.
• A representative of Igwe Bennett Emeka (Okebo II of Umueri), a key sponsor of the programme.
• Chinweogo Uba, Deputy Leader of the Anaocha Congress of Councillors, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the APGA State Woman Leader.

In her remarks, Lady Joy Otti, Acting Leader of the ASATU Women Wing, expressed confidence in the women’s ability to cascade the advocacy to all corners of the state.

“When women take up a cause, they execute it with unmatched dedication,” Otti said. “These lady organisers will ensure that the principles of healthy living are embedded in every community across Anambra.”

The event concluded with a practical workshop facilitated by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), which focused on capacity building and grassroots leadership development for participants.