By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Soludo Fan Club (SFC) has congratulated the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, and its National Convener, Engr. Sir Julius Chukwuemeka, on their recognition and honour during the combined convocation ceremony and the 25th anniversary of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), which climaxed on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
The congratulatory message was conveyed by the Deputy Convener of the SFC, Hon. Onyebuchi Dike, in an interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, during which he commended the duo for distinguishing themselves in their various fields and making indelible marks worthy of celebration.
The week-long ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from across the country, ended on Saturday with the conferment of higher degrees and the presentation of honorary doctorate awards to selected distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the university community and the society at large. Among those honoured at the grand finale was Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, who received an honorary doctorate degree in Public Health and Nutrition.
Dr. Mrs. Soludo was recognized for her relentless efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle in Anambra State through her pet project, Healthy Living with Nonye.
According to the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, the award, tagged the Ojukwu Legacy Award, was designed to recognize and encourage individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and whose works reflect the legacy of excellence associated with the institution’s namesake.
Other recipients of the prestigious honour at the grand finale included the South East Chairperson of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mrs. Ada Chukwudozie; the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, Igwe Alex Onyido; and notable business moguls Engr. Chidozie Mbanefo and Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, all of whom were lauded for their exceptional contributions to development and industry.
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who also graced the 11-15th joint convocation ceremony, used the occasion to pay a glowing tribute to the founding father of the university and former Governor of Anambra State, Late Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju. The Governor praised Mbadinuju as a visionary who planted a legacy that continues to bear fruit in the form of thousands of graduates and a thriving academic community.
“This 25th anniversary of the university we are celebrating today was the brainchild of a remarkable man.
“Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the first civilian governor of Anambra State between 1999 and 2003, is the founder of this university. Yet, he has not been properly honored for this contribution,” Governor Soludo said.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the late former Governor, he said “I believe Anambra State has not done enough to celebrate him. We will find a meaningful way to immortalize the founder of this university, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju.”
During the convocation, Governor Soludo, joined by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, also commissioned a 2-storey innovation centre built and donated to the University by a philanthropist, High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, popularly known as Ikenga Umuawulu.
Another significant highlight of the week-long ceremony was the honour earlier bestowed upon Engr. Sir Julius Chukwuemeka, the State’s Commissioner for Power & Water Resources and National Convener of the Soludo Fan Club.
The Commissioner, on May 21, 2025, bagged the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University, in recognition of his selfless service, enduring contributions to the development of the university, and for bringing pride to his alma mater.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, recalls that the story of Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka is one of grit, determination, and excellence. Born in a rural camp fraught with educational limitations, he defied the odds to become an academic giant and a proud alumnus of the COOU.
At the end of his undergraduate days, he not only bagged a First Class Honours degree, but also emerged as the overall best graduating student of the institution (then known as Anambra State University) in 2014. His quest for knowledge saw him further obtain a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, also with Distinction.
Appointed a Commissioner at the age of 36, Engr. Chukwuemeka, now a PhD student and a COREN-registered engineer, has garnered vast experience in project management and monitoring, and continues to be a shining example of what is possible when passion meets perseverance. Currently serving as Anambra youngest Commissioner, his journey from rural obscurity to national recognition stands out as a tall source of inspiration to the younger generation, especially students of COOU, many of whom now look up to him as a role model.
SFC notes with pride that through the recognition of such personalities, COOU continues to uphold its tradition of celebrating excellence and inspiring greatness among its alumni and students alike.
“SFC is highly proud of our National Convener, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, whose life and leadership encapsulate the true essence of dedication, brilliance, and community service. His award reinforces the value of perseverance and hard work, which our amiable Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo is currently advocating and re-invoking among our youths today,” the support group said, while also reiterating its commitment to supporting the Governor and promoting good governance in Anambra.
The Soludo Fan Club also showered encomiums on Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, describing her as a woman of substance and compassion, whose humanitarian interventions have redefined public health advocacy in the state. It noted that her commitment to building a healthier Anambra through her Healthy Living with Nonye initiative has yielded visible and life-changing impacts across communities, hence making her recognition not only deserving but timely.
“Her honour is also an honour to every Anambra woman and a proof that women are no longer just supporters of governance, but active architects of societal transformation,” it concluded.
More photos from the event:
