Nonye Soludo @ 54: The True Life’s Story Of A Living Saint

By Daniel Ezeigwe

In the stratification of human behaviours, there are rare humans; a few souls whose names resonate with time’s ticking history. These are individuals whose extraordinary live’s stories are told through generations and ages – in letters, ballads, and eulogies – reflecting on how they used their ideas, uniqueness, and nature to make a historical difference These are saints – living or alive – whose stories will continue to reverberate across the spheres of human occupation. In our world where basic human ideals seem so far-flung, these rare humans serve as finest illustrations of hope, perfection, discipline, humanism, brilliance, and fearlessness. They are the true saints!

Anambra governor’s wife, Mrs Frances Chukwunonyelum Soludo, has carved a perfect space in that saintly worldview. In actions, deeds, and words, the Anambra First Lady represents what Mother Teresa of Calcutta described as “doing small things with great love.” She takes up, with sparkling emotion, the responsibilities of love, of motherhood and benevolence. But it is not in showing immense passion for the welfare of others that Mrs Soludo finds her inestimable difference. It’s rather in her superhuman pattern of doing it: low light and obscure, yet as large as her heart. She sets out for each charity affair not attracted to adulating publicity and simulated behaviours that often trail such outings in this part of the world.

It was a bright Afor market day, mid rainy season in Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government Area. The day was Friday, July 31, 1970. The day Mrs Frances Chukwunonyelum Soludo (Née Ezenwanne) was born. Nonye’s mother, late Mrs Gloria Ezenwanne, was, coincidentally, a student at then-Teachers Training College, now Loretto Teachers Training College, TCC, Adazi-Nnukwu. Nonye’s birth kicked off the entrance of a woman who would change the world with her predictable virtues. A daughter of two disciplinarian teachers, Nonye grew up on principles and complete consciousness of the world around her. Sharing a lineage with the late Professor Dora Akunyili, tells more about the woman that Mrs Soludo has just become. But then, in the late Professor Akunyili’s fearlessness sits Nonye Soludo’s unflappable humility. Most people who have had encounter with the Anambra governor’s wife, have something memorable to take home. Mother Teresa was clear: “Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.” It didn’t just start with her current occupation. Mrs Soludo’s humble preference to remain perpetually anonymous in her charity moves, often keeps the flashes away. But not the lights. Self-effacingness, Nonye’s type, is a permeative virtue.

Nonye, the first child and first daughter of renowned teachers Chief Emmanuel Chukwuma Ezenwanne (Ichie Ochiagha Udo Isuofia) and late Mrs Gloria Uzoamaka Ezenwanne (Mmiliguluegu), grew up taking after these two role models whose excellent impacts on and off the classrooms still come up as references in crucial conversations. You would often hear the Anambra first lady make repeated references to how much of impact her late mother had on her life’s philosophy and overall attitudes. Nonye Soludo bears a deep attitudinal revelation that happens naturally. The Anambra Governor’s wife believes that kindness, as a sacred thought of the innermost heart, must operate in discreetness, away from cheers and intentional applauses. She understands it perfectly: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who give in secret will reward you,” Matthew 6:3-4.

Not many people understand it, but Mrs Frances Nonye Soludo lives for inspiring moments. She is more about touching lives and motivating people to do the same. The Isuofia Beauty Queen leaves you on the brim of irresistible emotion; in tears of joy. Mother Teresa was right: “At the end of life, we are going to be judged on the basis of our love for one another.” Nonye Soludo lives by that amazing norm! In a life that has spanned over five decades, Mrs Soludo has made so much impact on humanity. She has achieved so much for herself and her family, and is constantly setting the right example for women and girls. One of such is that a woman can become what she dreams of, by staying committed to hard work, humility and dedication. No excuses.

In all of her life’s endeavours, what makes the Anambra governor’s wife most unique is the involuntary impact she makes on the world around her. Her simplistic standards and overall way of life. Most people have often joked that Mrs Soludo doesn’t exhibit the traditional flamboyance that often spotlights a governor’s wife, especially in Nigeria. Not troubled, the Anambra First Lady finds peace and satisfaction in the simplest ways of life — compassion, empathy and altruism. In living for those who are grappling with life’s unpredictability, the Isuofia ageless queen finds her best inspiration. The Anambra governor’s wife has often attributed her existence to charity. Unsurprisingly a very practical Christian, Mrs Soludo must have been at home with lessons from the Beatitudes of Matthew five, from verse three to twelve: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” That’s the way of saints!

Happy 54th birthday to wife of the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Frances Chukwunonyelum Soludo (Osinanwata Mmaba Mma, Mmiliguluegu, Akwaugo Isuofia, Nne di Ogo). Long Live the Queen!